India, ASEAN adopt joint roadmap for sustainable tourism

India and the 11-nation ASEAN bloc on Sunday adopted a Joint Leaders’ statement on sustainable tourism, pledging to promote a “green, blue and circular economy” approach to travel and hospitality that safeguards environment, empowers local communities and preserves cultural heritage.

The declaration, issued at the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit in Kuala Lumpur, builds on the ongoing celebration of 2025 as the ASEAN–India Year of Tourism, and outlines a comprehensive framework to align tourism growth with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reaffirming the “deep civilisational linkages and shared values” between India and ASEAN, the statement recognised tourism as a “vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange”, while cautioning against over-tourism and its adverse impacts on local ecosystems and communities.

“We commit to promoting sustainable tourism guided by pro-planet and nature-positive principles that address local community needs while ensuring a high-quality tourist experience,” the leaders said in their joint declaration.

The roadmap emphasises environmental sustainability, urging member states to adopt the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle model, cut plastic use and expand renewable energy adoption at tourism sites. It also encourages collaboration between India’s TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) and the ASEAN Centre for Energy to promote low-carbon tourism infrastructure.

Under the economic sustainability pillar, both sides agreed to promote eco-tourism, encourage women and youth participation and enhance data-driven decision-making using digital tools. On the socio-cultural front, the leaders committed to conserving heritage sites, promoting gastronomy, handicrafts, and textile tourism, and linking cultural promotion with local livelihood development.