ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers' Meeting Highlights

Jan 24, 2025 05:48

ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers' Meeting Highlights

The 12th Meeting of ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers took place on 20 January 2025, alongside the 28th ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting in Johor, Malaysia. Co-chaired by H.E. Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia, and H.E. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Honorable Union Minister of Tourism & Culture from India, the meeting highlighted key advancements in ASEAN-India tourism cooperation and strategies for post-pandemic recovery.

Key Highlights

  • Strengthening Tourism Partnerships

    • The meeting reaffirmed the growing importance of the ASEAN-India partnership in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing connectivity, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.
    • Notable recovery trends:
      • In 2023, 4.29 million Indians visited ASEAN nations, while ASEAN countries contributed 754,230 visitors to India.
      • Numbers remained robust in 2024, reflecting renewed interest in cultural and economic collaboration.

  • 2025 Declared ASEAN-India Year of Tourism

    • Recognized as a milestone year to strengthen cultural ties, connectivity, and tourism opportunities.
    • India contributed USD 5 million through the ASEAN-India Fund for joint tourism activities under the ASEAN-India Tourism Work Plan (2023–2027).

  • Tourism Work Plan Progress

    • Shared best practices in sustainable tourism.
    • Enhanced mutual support for tourism education and training.
    • Updated crisis communication points and investment focal points.
    • Exchanged data on statistics, strategies, and investment opportunities.

  • Cruise Tourism as a Priority

    • Acknowledged the potential of cruise tourism in connecting ASEAN and India.
    • Appreciated Indonesia's ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue held in October 2024, which facilitated discussions on new cruise routes.
    • Called for public-private partnerships to advance cruise tourism initiatives.

  • Connectivity Enhancements

    • Emphasized improving air, maritime, and land transport connectivity for seamless travel and tourism growth.

  • Focus on Sustainable Tourism

    • ASEAN’s Action Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism Development was acknowledged as a guiding framework.
    • Proposed joint projects for sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation in alignment with India’s Goa Roadmap for Tourism.

  • Capacity Building for People-to-People Ties

    • Encouraged tailored programs for ASEAN tour operators to understand Indian culture and traveler preferences better.
    • Focused on developing culturally sensitive tourism products to enhance visitor satisfaction.

  • Adoption of ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Sustainable Tourism

    • India proposed adopting the joint statement during the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in October 2025.

  • Commitment to Recovery and Collaboration

    • Reiterated the commitment to expedite tourism recovery by leveraging the 2025 ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.
    • Focused on shared goals, including sustainability, connectivity, and cultural collaboration.

  • Future Plans

    • The 13th Meeting of ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers will be held in the Philippines in 2026.

The meeting concluded with gratitude to Malaysia for hosting the event, showcasing warm hospitality and excellent arrangements. This collaborative effort between ASEAN and India underscores the commitment to mutual growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism development in the region.