The 13th Meeting of ASEAN–India Tourism Ministers (M-ATM Plus India) was held in conjunction with the 29th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers (M-ATM) in Cebu, Philippines. The Meeting was co-chaired by Christina Garcia Frasco, Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, India.

The Meeting recognised the growing strategic value of the ASEAN–India tourism partnership in supporting regional economic resilience. The Meeting observed steady growth in two-way travel, driven by rising demand for cultural and experience-based itineraries and improved air connectivity.

India continues to be one of ASEAN’s most dynamic visitor markets, while ASEAN travellers are showing increased interest in India’s heritage, wellness, and nature-based destinations. India received 867,210 visitors from ASEAN in 2024 and 809,075 visitors from January to November 2025 (provisional). At the same time, 5.9 million Indian travellers visited ASEAN in 2024, with 4.7 million recorded up to Q3 2025, reflecting sustained confidence in ASEAN as a preferred destination.

The Meeting reviewed progress under the ASEAN–India Tourism Work Plan 2023– 2027, noting positive developments in knowledge exchange, tourism marketing cooperation, tourism crisis communication networking, and the sharing of statistics, research, and policy references. The Meeting noted with satisfaction the adoption of the ASEAN–India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Tourism. It also encouraged continued implementation of the Work Plan to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism development.

Looking ahead, the Meeting highlighted the newly launched ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026–2030, which will guide regional tourism cooperation with a strong focus on sustainability, connectivity, digital transformation, capacity building, and inclusive economic growth.

The Meeting expressed confidence that strengthened ASEAN–India cooperation will help achieve the strategic objectives of the ATSP 2026–2030. The Meeting noted that the 14th Meeting of ASEAN–India Tourism Ministers will be held in Singapore in 2027.

Five-Year Successor Tourism Blueprint

As part of ATF 2026, ASEAN has formally signed into force its five-year successor tourism blueprint to further regional cooperation and transformation post-pandemic. The ASEAN Sectoral Plan (ATSP) 2026-2030 succeeds the ATSP 2016-2025. “The ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan will serve as the framework for sustainable tourism development across the region from 2026 to 2030. The Philippines was privileged to have been selected as lead country coordinator in taking the surveys for the plan, devising the plan in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the ASEAN Secretariat,” said Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The strategic plan outlines the region’s collective vision and plans for a sustainable and inclusive tourism industry, structured around five interrelated focus areas: resilient tourism, empowerment of the tourism workforce, accessible and seamless travel, digital tourism, product and market diversification, and sustainable tourism.

As ASEAN Chair for 2026, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional cooperation that strengthens tourism’s contribution to economic growth, expands quality employment, and positions Southeast Asia as a resilient and competitive tourism region.