Tourexpi
Thailand,
acting as the Lead Country for Promotion and Marketing, is driving efforts to
enhance two-way travel between India and ASEAN member states, aiming to
position the region as a premier destination for Indian tourists.
Ms.
Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing –
Asia and South Pacific, emphasized: “Within the ASEAN-India cooperation
framework, tourism has long been a pillar of mutual growth. Thailand sees
tremendous potential in strengthening two-way travel between India and
ASEAN—delivering shared benefits across the region.”
The
forum, held on 23 July under the theme “Journey of Opportunities: Ignite Indian
Travel to ASEAN,” aligned with the ASEAN-India Cooperation Work Plan 2023–2027
and brought together senior policymakers and tourism leaders for a day of
strategic dialogue.
Opening
remarks from TAT were followed by a keynote session featuring Ms Verna Eseralda
C. Buensuceso, Chair of ASEAN NTOs; H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of
ASEAN; and H.E. Mr Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand. Speakers
underscored the importance of regional cooperation and adapting to evolving
traveler preferences.
Two
panel discussions shaped the forum’s agenda. The morning session focused on the
rising influence of Indian Millennials and Gen Z, featuring insights from
Booking.com, Thai AirAsia, Radisson Hotels and Resorts, and a well-known Indian
travel influencer. Speakers highlighted the increasing demand for personalized,
socially-driven experiences and culturally immersive, event-based travel.
In
the afternoon, attention turned to the booming Indian wedding and honeymoon
market, valued at over US$130 billion. Tourism stakeholders from across ASEAN
discussed the region’s ability to host grand, multi-day celebrations requiring
culturally specific services such as vegetarian catering and high-end
hospitality.
The
forum concluded with a collaborative workshop on “Partnership Marketing
Promotion.” ASEAN and Indian participants addressed shared challenges and
explored strategies to enhance visa processes, improve connectivity, create
appealing travel packages, and develop niche tourism products—key steps to
boosting two-way travel and market readiness.
Following
the forum, delegates took part in a technical tour to Pattaya in Chon Buri
Province, a popular destination for Indian travelers. The visit highlighted
Thailand’s readiness to deliver customized, high-quality tourism experiences.
In
2023, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia were among the top 15
destinations for Indian travelers. By 2024, Thailand welcomed over two million
Indian visitors, securing India’s place among its top three inbound tourism
markets.
Image
Credit: © TAT
The most interesting news
Read the News

Minister-President Boris Rhein Christens Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 ‘Frankfurt am Main’
Lufthansa continues fleet renewal – Allegris premium cabin now also flying from Frankfurt
Read the News

Sichuan Showcases ‘Sichuan Ease’ Cultural Tourism Campaign on Global Landmarks
New logo and video unveiled in New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok highlight Sichuan’s cultural depth and natural beauty
Read the News

Holland America Line and Pan Am Celebrate the Golden Age of Travel with a 28-Day Legendary Voyage
Commemorating Pan Am’s 100th anniversary, the cruise retraces historic Clipper routes across 18 ports in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America
Read the News

WTM London to Host Record Number of Global Leaders at 2025 Ministers’ Summit
Event to unite senior decision makers to reimagine the future of tourism investment
Read the News

Cambodia Opens Techo International Airport, Its Largest Aviation Hub
Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurates $2.3 billion facility set to drive tourism and economic growth
Read the News

TUI River Cruises Expands Excursion Programme in Egypt for Winter 2025
New cultural experiences include visits to Cairo’s Giza Pyramids and the historic Agatha Christie Old Cataract Hotel
Read the News

UN Tourism Announces ‘Best Tourism Villages 2025’
52 Communities Recognized for Leading Rural Development Through Tourism / From Koyasan in Japan to Chamarel in Mauritius and Kale Üçağız in Türkiye — 52 destinations across five regions highlight tourism’s power to transform rural communitie
Read the News

Moxy Hotels Debuts in Mexico’s Bohemian Paradise
The bold, playful Marriott brand makes its Caribbean and Latin American debut with Moxy Tulum — where jungle spirit meets urban edge
Read the News

TUI UK and Ireland Launches Summer 2027 with Free Kids’ Places
Over 2,200 beach properties across 70 destinations – exclusive offers, new tours, and flexible booking options for British holidaymakers
Read the News

Ryanair Unveils 2025 Winter Schedule for Katowice
15 routes including 3 new destinations – USD 300 million investment and over 1,000 jobs supported
Read the News

Spain: Almost 11 Million International Air Passengers in September
Turespaña reports steady growth and expanding market diversification
Read the News

Kempinski Hotels Appoints Barbara Biffi as Chief Brand Officer
Her appointment marks a new era in brand transformation and digital innovation for Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group
Read the News

WTM London 2025 Unveils Technology Summit Agenda Focused on AI, Data, and Airlines
Summit to explore how innovation is reshaping travel amid disruption and new opportunities
Read the News

Six Senses Myoko Ushers in a New Era of Purposeful Rejuvenation in Japan’s Historic Ski Region
New slopeside retreat at Mount Myoko to blend sustainability, culture, and wellness in one of Japan’s most storied mountain destinations
Read the News

Ryanair Launches Record Winter Schedule to Amman
Over 300,000 seats on 18 routes to 12 EU countries and major new investment plan unveiled for Amman, Aqaba and Marka
Read the News

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to Open on 22 November in Saadiyat Cultural District
New landmark museum invites visitors to explore 13.8 billion years of life on Earth through science, discovery, and the story of the Arabian Peninsula
Read the News

Delta’s 7.5 App Release: More Power in Your Pocket This Holiday Season
New features offer travelers enhanced flexibility, real-time visibility, and smarter self-service tools for stress-free journeys
Read the News

Delta and LATAM Mark Three Years of Partnership with Record Growth
Since 2022, the joint venture has launched nine new routes, operated over 62,000 flights, and carried 14.5 million passengers across the Americas.
Read the News

Bangkok: IHG Accelerates Global Growth with First Standalone InterContinental Residences
Landmark agreement with CG Capital marks InterContinental’s global entry into the standalone branded residential market
Read the News

Nearly Half of World Heritage Sites Now Face Severe Climate Risks, IUCN Warns
43% of natural and cultural heritage areas under high or very high threat — conservation experts urge immediate global climate action
Read the News

Hyatt Invites Travelers to Discover More of Malaysia
New “More to Discover, Explore Malaysia” campaign highlights 11 Hyatt properties nationwide with exclusive offers and member perks
