Gia Lai Culture-Tourism Week took place from November 11-19, showcasing a variety of activities aimed at promoting the culture and tourism of the Central Highlands. Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ta Quang Dong, emphasized that the event celebrates the cultural significance of the gong space in the region, which has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO.
The festival also served as a platform for ethnic groups from the Central Highlands to come together and exchange experiences in preserving, promoting, and disseminating the gong culture. According to Dong, the event attracted over 165,000 domestic and international visitors in just a few days.
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| Foreigners try Ruou Can (Tube wine) at the festival. Photo: H.N |
One of the highlights of the festival was the “Gia Lai City Trail 2023 – The Great Dream” running race, which left a strong impression on Vietnamese participants and international tourists. The race attracted nearly 4,000 runners from across Vietnam, offering them a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the Gia Lai plateau and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.
Nguyen Dac Quynh, a female runner from Ho Chi Minh City, shared her delightful experience: “Initially, I wasn’t planning to participate as I had already registered for many other races, but the captivating promotion of the route caught my attention. Upon arrival, I realized that I had made the right decision.”
Luong Vo Thanh, another participant, expressed his fascination with the race due to its impressive track: “Our group of five individuals had never been to Gia Lai and wasn’t particularly interested in races outside of major cities. However, when a friend showed us pictures of the track, we were immediately smitten. The highland’s fresh atmosphere, breathtaking forests, and majestic mountains in the backdrop all created a sense of familiarity.”
In addition to the cultural and sports activities, the Gia Lai Culture-Tourism Week also featured a trade fair that showcased the province’s diverse agricultural produce. Approximately 250 booths were set up to introduce local handicrafts, specialty products, culinary delights, and tourism-related items.
The Gong Culture Festival, which brought together ethnic communities from five Central Highlands provinces, was a major highlight of the Gia Lai Culture-Tourism Week. The festival provided an opportunity to showcase the rich culture and warm hospitality of the region to travelers from different parts of the world. The success of the Gia Lai Culture-Tourism Week 2023 exemplifies the power of community collaboration in promoting tourism.
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| The success of Gia Lai Culture-Tourism Week 2023 has started the spirit of community working together in tourism. Photo: H.N |
Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Gia Lai Province, stated that around 1,000 artisans from the five Central Highlands provinces participated in the event. “We are committed to creating a truly remarkable, fresh, and impactful Gia Lai Culture and Tourism Week 2023,” she affirmed.
The Gia Lai Culture-Tourism Week has received high praise from tourism service providers as it has significantly contributed to the promotion and communication of Gia Lai, attracting international tourists to the province. Travel agencies have tailored services for individual travelers and group tours, offering unforgettable experiences.
In the first 11 months of 2023, tourism in Gia Lai experienced considerable growth compared to the same period last year. The total number of visitors reached an estimated 1.1 million (a 29% increase), generating about VND 742 billion in tourism revenue (a 30.2% increase).
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Trung Nguyen Coffee Village
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Sepulchre Statues in the Central Highlands
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Kon Tum Provincial Culture Week features many activities
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