At a press briefing on March 25, a vice chair of Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich said the programme would feature 244 tourism, cultural and sporting activities running from March to December. The events aim not only to entertain but also to promote tourism, attract visitors and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
“We are working to build an image of Gia Lai people as friendly and welcoming. Services and infrastructure may not yet be perfect, especially after storms in late 2025, but the hospitality and sincerity of local residents will leave a strong impression on visitors,” the official said.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, Vice Chairwoman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, provides information related to the National Tourism Year 2026 event at a press conference held on March 25 (Photo: Cong Son).
The province has introduced a “comfortable as home” model across restaurants, hotels, cafes, households and public spaces, marked by a shared logo. At locations displaying this logo, visitors can use restrooms free of charge.
In addition, around 60 public toilets have been installed at event venues to serve tourists.
To address potential accommodation shortages, local authorities have prepared contingency plans, including opening community halls and neighbourhood cultural houses for visitors, while encouraging residents to offer homestays if needed. Financial support will be provided to participating households.
Gia Lai has also coordinated with airlines, road transport operators and railway services to increase capacity and meet travel demand during the event.
The official added that the tourism year will be linked to broader socio-economic initiatives, including investment promotion conferences, tourism development forums and cooperation meetings with localities in southern Laos and north-eastern Cambodia.
Hotels in Gia Lai are fully booked before the opening of National Tourism Year (Photo: Doan Cong).
The National Tourism Year-Gia Lai 2026 will officially open at 8.10 pm on March 28 at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square in Quy Nhon Ward.
The opening programme will be staged as a large-scale live performance, blending modern artistic expression with traditional cultural elements, depicting a journey from the highlands to the sea through theatre, music, dance and visual effects.