Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch, Deputy Chairwoman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee, engaged with CNN at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu to enhance Gia Lai’s global tourism profile. The province, set to host Vietnam’s National Tourism Year in 2026, aims to showcase its cultural heritage and promote international cooperation to attract more visitors.
The meeting brought together tourism authorities from ASEAN countries and international media organisations, as Gia Lai prepares to host Vietnam’s National Tourism Year in 2026. Appointed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the province will organise a year-long programme of festivals, cultural events, and tourism activities.
During the discussion, Gia Lai officials presented the province’s tourism assets, cultural heritage, and signature products, alongside key initiatives planned for National Tourism Year Gia Lai 2026. The delegation also proposed cooperation with CNN to help position Gia Lai as an emerging destination on the global tourism map.
Lịch said the province has invited a CNN production team to conduct a site visit to gain first-hand insight into Gia Lai’s tourism offerings. The visit would support the development of a targeted international communications strategy aimed at attracting higher-value visitors, extending length of stay, and increasing tourism spending.
Representing CNN, Jocelyn Kang, Account Director for Southeast Asia, introduced the network’s multi-platform destination marketing solutions and expressed interest in exploring potential collaboration with Gia Lai in the future.
Following its administrative expansion in July 2025 through the merger of the former Gia Lai and Bình Định provinces, the new Gia Lai now encompasses both Central Highlands and coastal landscapes. The province is known for its volcanic terrain, forests, diverse ethnic minority cultures, and coastline, though it currently receives fewer international visitors compared to Vietnam’s more established beach destinations.
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