During the ongoing 13th ITM, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu's proposal for regional convergence and joint promotion approach, supported by transformative infrastructure projects across the region, signalled a positive omen.

The return of this flagship event to the northeastern state represents a strategic pivot in India's ambitious plan to transform the region into a unified, world-class tourism circuit. With infrastructure and connectivity strengthening, tourism seeing an upsurge, over INR 3,000 cr invested in 65 projects, the Ministry of Tourism is betting big on this year's event.

Brand India, once synonymous with the iconic "Incredible India" campaign, has somewhere lost its voice in a marketplace that no longer responds to traditional tourism marketing. As promotional budgets continue to shrink and visibility on global platforms blurs, India needs to transform its approach or risk becoming invisible in the world's most competitive tourism landscape.

Additionally, the Ministry released the 66th edition of the India Tourism Data Compendium, marking record international and domestic arrivals, employment generation, and economic contributions. India now ranks 20th globally in international tourist arrivals and continues strengthening its tourism infrastructure. These outcomes were a part of Ministry’s celebration of World Tourism Day 2025.