Guwahati Becomes a Hub for Tourism Collaboration as Delegates from 10 ASEAN Nations Discuss Future Tourism Growth in India

Published on December 13, 2025

Guwahati, the vibrant gateway to Northeast India, has taken center stage in 2025 as it hosts the highly anticipated ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme. The event, which began in mid-December 2025, marks a significant milestone in fostering closer ties between India and the ASEAN region. With delegates from 10 ASEAN countries gathering in Guwahati, this program is set to unlock new opportunities for tourism professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Guwahati is not just the largest city in Assam but a symbol of the region’s potential in tourism, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its strategic location, the city serves as a hub for connecting India with its Southeast Asian neighbors. The ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025 aims to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation between India and the ASEAN countries, ensuring the tourism sector thrives in both regions.

This gathering of tourism professionals marks a fresh chapter in the collaboration between India and ASEAN nations, focusing on sharing expertise, experiences, and ideas. Delegates will be able to explore Northeast India’s unique cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant hospitality scene, paving the way for sustainable tourism development in the region.

As part of India’s growing emphasis on tourism, Guwahati is the perfect backdrop for these discussions, offering a blend of traditional heritage and modernity that encapsulates the best of Indian tourism. The program is expected to create numerous opportunities for increased tourism exchange, innovative collaborations, and sustainable tourism practices that will benefit both the Indian and ASEAN tourism sectors.

Key Highlights of the ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025

• Increased Collaboration Between India and ASEAN
  The ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025 aims to create stronger ties between the 10 ASEAN nations and India. This collaboration is expected to enhance mutual understanding, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote cross-border tourism.
• Tourism Professionals from 10 ASEAN Countries
  Delegates from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia are participating in the program. These tourism professionals will share insights, best practices, and innovative solutions to boost tourism development in both regions.
• Focus on Sustainable Tourism
  One of the core objectives of the program is to promote sustainable tourism practices. The participants will discuss the importance of preserving natural resources, enhancing cultural heritage preservation, and ensuring that tourism benefits both locals and visitors alike.
• Exploring Northeast India’s Tourism Potential
  During their visit, the delegates will explore the diverse tourism offerings of Northeast India, from the majestic Kaziranga National Park to the tranquil tea gardens of Assam. The rich biodiversity and historical landmarks in this region will be showcased as prime tourism destinations, attracting more international visitors.
• Fostering People-to-People Connections
  The program emphasizes the significance of building people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges, trade, and tourism. By facilitating such interactions, India and ASEAN nations can better understand each other’s cultures, enhancing the overall tourism experience.
• Building Long-term Partnerships
  Through this initiative, tourism professionals from both regions will have the opportunity to forge long-term partnerships. These collaborations are expected to lead to the development of tailored travel packages, joint marketing efforts, and mutually beneficial tourism ventures.

Guwahati’s Role as a Hub for ASEAN-India Tourism Relations

Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, is known for its strategic location, nestled between India and its Southeast Asian neighbors. The city has long been a cultural and commercial crossroads, playing a significant role in cross-border trade and regional collaboration. Its proximity to Bangladesh, Myanmar, and other ASEAN nations makes it an ideal meeting point for tourism professionals.

With growing infrastructure and increased investment in the tourism sector, Guwahati is becoming a key destination in India’s Northeast. The city is home to numerous tourist attractions, including the Kamakhya Temple, Brahmaputra River cruises, and Umananda Island, all of which offer unique cultural and historical experiences. Additionally, the city serves as a base for exploring the natural wonders of the region, such as the Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and the Majuli River Island.

Key Attractions for Tourism in Guwahati

• Kamakhya Temple
  One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, the Kamakhya Temple attracts thousands of visitors every year. The temple, situated on Nilachal Hill, is dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya and is an important center for Tantric worship.
• Brahmaputra River Cruises
  The Brahmaputra River offers some of the most picturesque cruise experiences in India. With options ranging from traditional ferry rides to luxury cruises, the river is a unique way to explore the culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty of the region.
• Kaziranga National Park
  Famous for its one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. Located just a few hours from Guwahati, it is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• Majuli Island
  Majuli, located in the Brahmaputra River, is the world’s largest river island and is known for its cultural significance. It is a center of Vaishnavism and satras, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual experiences.
• Umananda Island
  Umananda Island, situated in the Brahmaputra River, is home to the Umananda Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The island is a serene getaway, offering a combination of spiritual tranquility and natural beauty.

The Future of ASEAN-India Tourism Cooperation

The ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025 is just the beginning of a long-term initiative aimed at deepening the tourism ties between India and the ASEAN region. As both regions recover from the global pandemic and tourism resumes, fostering collaboration has never been more important.

In the future, we can expect even greater exchanges of tourism professionals, knowledge, and innovative ideas. Joint marketing campaigns, shared tourism products, and sustainable tourism initiatives will all play a crucial role in expanding the reach of both India and ASEAN nations as global tourism destinations.

Additionally, the ASEAN-India tourism partnership can lead to the development of new tourism circuits that connect multiple countries, creating regional tourism routes that encourage longer stays, more immersive experiences, and the growth of the travel industry.

Conclusion: Guwahati’s Emerging Role in International Tourism

Guwahati, a city that bridges the gap between India and Southeast Asia, is poised to be at the forefront of ASEAN-India tourism collaboration. The ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025 provides a platform for tourism professionals to share insights, develop new partnerships, and shape the future of travel in both regions. The success of this program will likely lead to more such initiatives, further enhancing the tourism landscape and creating new opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges.