Guwahati: The ASEAN–India Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025 began in Guwahati with two days of intensive interactions between tourism professionals from India and ten ASEAN member countries. The programme aims to strengthen tourism ties and position the North East as a key link in ASEAN travel circuits.
The exchange is organised by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ATDC) under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and is being held from December 12 to 17 across Guwahati, Kaziranga and New Delhi.
A total of 41 delegates from ASEAN countries are taking part, including participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam. They are joined by representatives from Indian tourism associations and regional organisations.
Focus on Partnerships and Tourism Growth
The programme seeks to convert interest generated at the MATTA Fair 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, where ATDC showcased Assam and the North East under the ASEAN–India Year of Tourism, into concrete partnerships. By hosting ASEAN stakeholders in Assam, the initiative allows them to experience local tourism products, infrastructure and community-based tourism models firsthand.
On December 12, delegates arrived in Guwahati and took part in a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra, highlighting Assam’s river tourism and community experiences. On December 13, the programme was formally inaugurated at Hotel Mayfair, Guwahati, followed by B2B meetings between tour operators from the North East, the rest of India and ASEAN countries. The day concluded with a cultural evening featuring Assamese music, dance and cuisine.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita said the programme strengthens regional cooperation and people-to-people ties through tourism. He said collaboration among professionals will help create sustainable routes that protect culture, support local businesses and benefit communities.
Assam Tourism Minister Ranjeet Kumar Das said the state is entering a new phase of tourism growth that is structured, globally connected and community-driven. He said the government is focusing on infrastructure, hospitality and digital promotion to build a responsible and competitive tourism economy.
ATDC Managing Director Kumar Padmapani Bora said the exchange aims to turn cultural connections between India and ASEAN into working tourism partnerships. He said the programme promotes wildlife tourism, tea heritage, river tourism and homestay-based experiences, ensuring benefits reach local communities.
As part of the programme, delegates are visiting Kaziranga National Park and nearby tea gardens to interact with guides, lodge owners and local entrepreneurs involved in conservation-based tourism. Discussions have also focused on regional connectivity, including new air routes, improved highways and the upcoming terminal at Guwahati International Airport, which is expected to boost international travel.
The Guwahati leg has set the tone for further sessions in Kaziranga and New Delhi, where policy discussions with central ministries and ASEAN missions will continue. The partnerships formed during the exchange are expected to lead to joint promotions, familiarisation tours and increased tourist flow between ASEAN countries and the North East.
