During a working session with park officials, Pham Anh Tuan, chairman of the Gia Lai People's Committee, said Kon Ka Kinh is a key part of the province's new development strategy, in which tourism is identified as one of five priority pillars.

"Kon Ka Kinh is a major ecological asset with global recognition for its biodiversity," Tuan said. 

He called for coordinated efforts to invest in infrastructure, attract international media, and develop sustainable tourism that benefits both conservation and local livelihoods.

Located in Vietnam's Central Highlands, Kon Ka Kinh National Park spans nearly 42,000 hectares, of which over 39,500 hectares is natural forest, according to park director Ngo Van Thang.

The park is home to 1,754 plant species and 876 animal species, including 16 endemic or endangered species such as the northern buffed-cheeked gibbon, grey-shanked douc langur, Truong Son muntjac, and Edwards's pheasant.

Despite its ecological significance, Kon Ka Kinh received only 342 visitors in the January–July 2025, due to limited tourism infrastructure and the early stage of ecotourism development, Thang said. 

The park is currently implementing a tourism development plan focused on eco-excursions, wellness retreats, and adventure activities.

Kon Ka Kinh is one of 27 ASEAN Heritage Parks recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and lies within an elevation range of 700 to 1,500 meters, making it suitable for diverse tourism models, including nature-based tourism, agricultural experiences, and scientific research.

Provincial authorities have committed to supporting the park with investment in road access and visitor facilities.

"No one should be sitting on a gold mine and leaving it untouched," Tuan said, urging park leaders to tap into the site's tourism potential while preserving its ecological integrity.