Overview
- Opening day drew 22,508 visitors, including 363 foreign tourists, according to the Tourism Department.
- Six partner countries—Austria, Malta, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Switzerland—joined this year, with Arunachal Pradesh named partner state.
- After appeals by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Centre eased PAP rules for the festival period, while the state continues to seek a full rollback.
- Envoys outlined cooperation interests ranging from agri‑business, technology and education to tourism, skill development, green technologies and sports links.
- Cultural programs across multiple venues featured performances from 18 Naga tribes and the opening of the Hornbill International Photo Fest, as the 10‑day event promotes sustainable tourism and entrepreneurship with a reported Rs 7 crore budget.