Gia Lai (VNA) – The central province of Gia Lai on July 9 officially announced and presented certificates recognising two new tourist sites, expanding its portfolio of attractions ahead of Visit Vietnam Year – Gia Lai 2026.
At a ceremony held in Quy Nhon Nam ward, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognised Kon Ka Kinh National Park and Yuragi Chaya Quy Nhon as official tourist destinations, raising the province’s total number of recognised tourist sites to four. The event marked the 65th anniversary of Vietnam’s tourism sector.
The Kon Ka Kinh National Park boasts a rich ecosystem that is home to many rare species, including Kon Ka Kinh laughingthrush, grey-shanked douc langur and Truong Son muntjac. The park also features a wide range of tourism assets such as the 1,330-metre White Rock Peak, Pho Tuong, P'ne and Waterfall 95, ancient banyan and five-needle pine trees, mixed broadleaf and conifer forests, a wildlife rescue and conservation centre, wet-rice cultivation areas, and the distinctive cultural heritage of the Bahnar ethnic community.
The park is the only special-use forest in Gia Lai recognised with dual international conservation status as both an ASEAN Heritage Park and the core zone of the Kon Ha Nung World Biosphere Reserve. Its buffer zone is also rich in cultural tourism resources, including Bahnar villages with traditional festivals such as new rice celebrations, grave-leaving ceremonies and gong festivals, well suited for community-based and cultural tourism.
Meanwhile, Yuragi Chaya has quickly emerged as a favourite destination for visitors seeking an authentic Japanese cultural experience in the coastal city of Quy Nhon. Designed as a 'mini Japan', the attraction features iconic red Torii gates, bamboo-lined paths, wind chimes, yukata costumes and Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, bluefin tuna and Kagoshima wagyu beef. Visitors can also relax in its Japanese-style onsen hot spring and sauna facilities.
Earlier, the provincial People's Committee also recognised Ham Ho Rosa Alba Tourist Site and FLC Quy Nhon Wildlife Park as official tourist destinations, offering visitors a broader range of eco-tourism, nature-based and cultural experiences.
Director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Do Thi Dieu Hanh said 2026 will mark a new stage of development for Gia Lai, following the expansion of its development space and the integration of coastal, highland and forest resources. She noted that the province is honoured to host Visit Vietnam Year 2026 under the theme 'Where Great Forests Meet the Blue Sea', describing the event as an important milestone in positioning tourism as a key economic sector and a new driver of growth.
Looking ahead to 2030, Gia Lai aims to welcome 18.5 million visitors, including 1.1 million international arrivals, and generate tourism revenue of 35 trillion VND (1.33 billion USD).
To achieve these goals, the province plans to develop signature tourism products, including Quy Nhon–Nhon Chau–Con Chim coastal route, Bien Ho–Kon Ka Kinh–Kon Chu Rang–Kon Ha Nung eco-tourism corridor, Bahnar and Jrai cultural villages, night-time tourism and culinary experiences.
It will also continue investing in transport infrastructure linking the coast and the Central Highlands while attracting strategic investors to develop national tourism zones, high-end resorts, entertainment complexes and marinas.
In the first six months of 2026, the province welcomed 8.75 million visitors, up 19% year-on-year, with tourism revenue estimated at 19.01 trillion VND./.
