The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van, Vice Chairwoman of the Gia Lai provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, representatives of provincial departments and agencies, foreign diplomatic missions, and domestic and international media.
Van said tourism plays an important role in Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy by promoting the country’s cultural and natural values and strengthening international cooperation. Hosting the Visit Vietnam Year 2026 will help Gia Lai enhance its image and attract visitors.
Following the merger of former Binh Dinh and Gia Lai provinces into new Gia Lai province, the locality now has a coastline for the first time, creating a new growth pole linking the Central Highlands with the south-central coastal region.
Introducing the Visit Viet Nam Year - Gia Lai 2026, Lich said the programme will feature 244 events, including 18 organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 109 hosted by Gia Lai, and 117 response activities in 22 provinces and cities.
The events will be held under four quarterly themes highlighting Gia Lai as a new destination, a fascinating tourism hub, a land of martial arts experiences, and a place resonating with the gong culture of the Central Highlands.
The opening week will take place from March 23–30, with the official opening ceremony on March 28 in Quy Nhon ward alongside the Gia Lai Investment Promotion Conference 2026.
Major events include the International Central Highlands Gong Festival, the Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Festival, the Chu Dang Ya Wild Sunflower and Volcano Festival, and the Central Highlands Ethnic Cultural Day. The closing ceremony is expected to take place in December in Pleiku.
The province aims to turn tourism into one of its five key economic pillars, targeting 18.5 million visitors, including over 1 million international arrivals, by 2030.
