The India Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2025 in Kuala Lumpur marks a key highlight of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025. Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has taken the lead in curating and coordinating India’s participation, with a strong focus on Northeast India’s tourism potential. India’s representation this year includes 50 delegates from 18 Indian states and union territories such as Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram, Delhi, Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, J&K, Andamans & Nicobar among others, each contributing regional strengths to a unified national showcase.
“This platform gives us an opportunity to present India’s cultural and geographical richness to a global audience,” said Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles. “Our presence at MATTA Fair reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties with ASEAN countries. Assam and the entire Northeast region have distinctive offerings; from wellness retreats and river cruises to wildlife experiences and community-led travel models. This year, we are bringing these stories to the forefront.”
Padmapani Bora, IRS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt of Assam Managing Director, Assam Tourism Development Corporation added, “ATDC is proud to implement India’s participation in this landmark event and grateful to the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India for nominating us as implementing agency. We are not only representing Assam but also coordinating efforts to position Northeast India as an integral part of India’s global tourism identity. Beyond exhibitions, this is a space for building relationships, exchanging ideas, and opening new channels of growth for regional tourism stakeholders.”
India’s participation at MATTA Fair is part of the broader Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025, a two-part initiative designed to foster closer tourism engagement between India and ASEAN countries. The first phase involved a field visit by ASEAN tourism professionals to Assam earlier this year. The second phase, currently underway, includes collaborative activities at MATTA Fair with Indian and ASEAN counterparts working together to promote joint tourism initiatives.