Gia Lai Province Unveils New Attractions Ahead of Visit Vietnam Year 2026

Gia Lai Province is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for investors and accompanying them throughout the process of project research, implementation and operation, an official has said. Gia Lai province aims to position Australia as one of its key partners in developing a sustainable cultural industry. Addressing the forum, Chairman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee Pham Anh Tuan said the hosting of the forum offers the local education sector an opportunity to exchange experiences, access advanced educational methods, and expand ties with international partners within the Francophone community, as well as with reputable educational and research organisations. The winners were recognised for breakthrough and innovative tourism policies in 2025, best tourism villages, leading destinations, top attractions and parks, standout new tourism products, top travel companies, and best-in-class lodging and dining, among others. Indonesian visitors currently account for only about 0.4% of the province's total international arrivals, indicating substantial room for growth and broader cooperation. Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life. Vietnam will continue to improve institutional frameworks and standards, develop human resources, expand Halal-certified services, strengthen international cooperation, promote business partnerships, and build the country's brand as a new destination for Halal tourism. Unlike conventional sustainable tourism, circular tourism goes beyond reducing environmental impacts. It embraces a regenerative approach in which every journey contributes to restoring ecosystems, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the resilience of local communities. Hanoi aims to welcome more than 9 million foreign arrivals this year and has achieved over half of that target. Hieu noted that the milestone is not only a source of pride for the city's tourism industry but also a positive signal reflecting its growing appeal among international travellers. From July 10 to August 15, 2026, all visitors aged 25 and under (born in 2001 or later) who present a valid identification document such as a Citizen ID card, passport, VNeID electronic identification account, or driver's license (original copy), will be eligible for a special ticket price never before offered at the destination. Beyond its traditional strengths in city tours, MICE tourism, shopping and cuisine, the city now offers a broader range of attractions, including coastal areas, eco-tourism sites, traditional craft villages, industrial tourism and cultural, historical and spiritual destinations. To improve its tourism image and experience for tourists, the special zone has launched the campaign titled "Every Phu Quoc resident is a tourism ambassador" and established a tourism rapid response team to protect and assist holiday-makers. Stretching for more than 3,200 kilometres, Vietnam’s coastline boasts hundreds of beaches, ranging from long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters to secluded bays surrounded by lush mountains and tropical forests. Amid this investment wave, Phu Quoc is emerging as a representative destination, with a series of infrastructure, hospitality and international cooperation projects being developed in preparation for APEC 2027 and the years beyond. Paris Match says Vietnam's appeal extends beyond its landscapes and luxury resorts. Its unique combination of nature, history, cultural heritage and local life offers travellers a wide range of authentic experiences, making the country an increasingly attractive destination for international travellers. Vietnam's pavilion emerged as one of the highlights of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Open Day 2026 in Geneva on July 5, attracting a steady stream of visitors eager to savour authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Many said the experience had inspired them to visit Vietnam in the near future. The festival recorded more than 100,000 overnight visitors per competition night, with the June 27 blast hitting a season-best 117,400. Citywide hotel occupancy sailed past 70%, and plenty of downtown and beachfront properties ran near full. Da Nang is home to nearly 70 craft villages and traditional craft villages, along with around 3,000 craft establishments; many of these have become popular tourist attractions. The country received around 1.7 million international visitors in June alone, an increase of 14.7% from the same month last year, despite the month traditionally being part of the low travel season. Vietnam’s tourism performance has been widely regarded as a bright spot at a time when the global tourism industry continues to face significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts in several regions, slowing global economic growth, rising oil prices and higher travel costs. According to Biba Magazine, Vietnam's regional culinary diversity, fresh ingredients and refined cooking techniques have elevated its cuisine far beyond iconic dishes such as pho and spring rolls, making it one of the country's most memorable attractions for international visitors. According to Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), FIT has become one of the defining trends in post-pandemic tourism. Increasingly, travellers are seeking flexibility, personalised experiences and authentic cultural engagement, prompting destinations worldwide to rethink their tourism products, services and marketing strategies. In less than a decade, Phu Quoc has grown from around 1.45 million visitors in 2016 to more than 8.1 million in 2025. In the same year, Sa Pa welcomed around 4.3 million visitors, while tourism revenue increased more than 11 times compared with the period before synchronised investment was introduced. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.