Thailand leads push to boost India-ASEAN travel ties under 2025 Tourism Year

Thailand showcases leadership at ASEAN-India Forum, aiming to drive mutual tourism growth.

BANGKOK, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted the ASEAN-India Forum from 22–25 July 2025 in Bangkok, as part of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025. As the Lead Country for Promotion and Marketing, Thailand is spearheading efforts to strengthen two-way travel between India and ASEAN and position the region as a top destination for Indian visitors.

Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, stated: “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.”

Held on 23 July under the theme “Journey of Opportunities: Ignite Indian Travel to ASEAN”, the forum was aligned with the ASEAN-India Cooperation Work Plan 2023–2027 and brought together senior policymakers and tourism leaders for a full day of exchange and collaboration.

The event opened with remarks from TAT, 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. The speakers highlighted the shared vision for regional cooperation and the need to evolve with changing traveller expectations.

Indian Gen Z and wedding markets spotlighted as key to ASEAN travel expansion.

Two key panels framed the day’s discussions. The morning session focused on the rising influence of Indian Millennials and Gen Z, with insights from Booking.com, Thai AirAsia, Radisson Hotels and Resorts, and a leading Indian travel influencer. Speakers noted the growing demand for personalised, social media-driven experiences and culturally rich, event-based travel.

The afternoon panel turned to the booming Indian wedding and honeymoon market—valued at over US$130 billion. Tourism leaders from ASEAN and Thailand discussed the region’s potential to host large, multi-day celebrations that demand culturally sensitive services, from vegetarian catering to luxury hospitality.

The forum concluded with a workshop on “Partnership Marketing Promotion”, where ASEAN and Indian stakeholders addressed shared challenges and explored strategies to improve visas, connectivity, packaging, and niche offerings—key to strengthening two-way travel and enhancing market readiness.

Tourism leaders explore new strategies for visas, connectivity, and niche travel.

Following the forum, delegates joined a technical tour to Pattaya in Chonburi Province—one of Thailand’s most visited destinations by Indian travellers—showcasing the country’s tourism infrastructure and capacity to deliver tailored, high-quality experiences.

In 2023, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia ranked among the top 15 destinations for Indian travellers. By 2024, Thailand welcomed over two million Indian visitors, firmly placing India among its top three inbound markets. (TAT)

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