Kuala Lumpur: At the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia, Indian and ASEAN nations issued a joint statement committing to sustainable tourism, emphasising environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
The declaration strengthens the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, rooted in ties established since 1992 and reinforced by agreements like the 2018 Delhi Declaration and 2022 partnership goals.
Leaders recognised tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange, designating 2025 as the ASEAN-India Tourism Year.
The statement aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly targets 8, 12, and 14, and builds on frameworks like the 2012 Tourism Cooperation MoU and India’s 2022 National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. The focus is on green, blue, and circular economy principles, promoting resource efficiency, biodiversity protection, and inclusive growth.
Key commitments include adopting the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle model, implementing India’s Travel for LiFE initiative, and reducing air, water, and land pollution through stricter regulations and consumer awareness. Investments in low-carbon infrastructure, renewable energy-based hospitality, and eco-friendly transportation were also prioritised.
The statement encourages local community participation, particularly among women and youth, to preserve cultural heritage and boost local economies through training and ownership opportunities.
Digital technologies will modernise tourist destinations, and ASEAN’s Centre for Biodiversity and India’s Environment Ministry will collaborate to protect ecosystems. The joint statement also promotes sharing best practices and leveraging networks like the ASEAN-India Network of Museums to enhance sustainable tourism.