ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026: Discovering North Sumatra Beyond Business

24 October – 1 November 2026 | North Sumatra, Indonesia

ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026 is more than a business event. It is an immersive journey designed to bring international hosted buyers closer to the diverse tourism experiences, natural wonders, cultural heritage, hospitality, and travel industry potential of North Sumatra.

Taking place from 24 October to 1 November 2026, the program combines destination exploration, tourism product inspections, cultural experiences, networking opportunities, and a dedicated B2B Travel Exchange.

From the wilderness of Bukit Lawang and Gunung Leuser National Park to the cultural landscapes of Medan, the magnificent scenery of Lake Toba and Samosir Island, and the highlands of Berastagi, participants will experience the many sides of North Sumatra.

Day 1 – Welcome to North Sumatra: Medan to Bukit Lawang

Saturday, 24 October 2026

The journey begins as hosted buyers arrive at Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in Medan.

Following lunch, the group will travel to Bukit Lawang, the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park. The journey provides participants with their first opportunity to experience the natural landscapes of North Sumatra.

Upon arrival, guests will check in and have time to relax before gathering for a special Welcome Dinner, marking the official beginning of the ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026 journey.

The evening continues with an overnight stay in Bukit Lawang, preparing participants for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Into the Wild: Exploring Gunung Leuser National Park

Sunday, 25 October 2026

After breakfast, participants will embark on an exciting trekking experience into Gunung Leuser National Park.

The journey offers the opportunity to discover the area’s natural environment, including its magnificent trees and diverse flora, while looking for one of Indonesia’s most iconic wildlife species—the orangutan.

The adventure continues with tube rafting, adding an exciting outdoor experience to the day.

After lunch, participants will have free time for their own activities or conduct inspections of hotels, restaurants, and other tourism products around the Bukit Lawang area.

The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in Bukit Lawang.

Day 3 – From Nature to Culture: Discovering Medan

Monday, 26 October 2026

The third day marks the transition from the natural environment of Bukit Lawang to the cultural and urban character of Medan.

After breakfast, participants will travel overland to Medan before beginning a city tour featuring a selection of local attractions, including a Crocodile Farm and Velangkani Church.

Following lunch at Kenanga Restaurant Indonesia, the exploration continues with several of Medan’s notable landmarks, including Maimoon Palace, the Grand Mosque, and Kesawan Square.

The day concludes with a special Welcome Dinner before participants return to their hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 4 – The Heart of the Journey: ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange

Tuesday, 27 October 2026

The main business event of the program takes place on Day 4: the ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026.

The day begins with Seller & Buyer Registration, followed by the official Opening Ceremony.

Participants will then take part in a series of professional B2B meetings conducted through the Round Robin System. The format provides opportunities for sellers and hosted buyers to meet directly, introduce their products, exchange ideas, and explore potential business partnerships.

The program consists of three business sessions throughout the day, complemented by brand presentations and coffee breaks.

Following the final business session, participants will have time for free dealing and the Closing with Lunch Draw.

The day’s professional activities conclude with a memorable Farewell Dinner, providing another opportunity for participants to strengthen relationships in a more relaxed and social atmosphere.

Day 5 – From Medan to the Magnificent Lake Toba

Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Following the Travel Exchange, the hosted buyers continue their post-tour journey toward Lake Toba and Samosir Island.

The group departs Medan for the tourist town of Parapat, with a visit to a tea plantation along the way.

After lunch, participants will visit Caldera Toba Nomadic and take part in a sharing session before continuing their journey toward Lake Toba.

One of the highlights of the day comes in the afternoon with a cruise across Lake Toba to Samosir Island.

Upon arrival, participants will check in to their hotel and have free time to enjoy the atmosphere of Lake Toba.

The day ends with a special Welcome Dinner hosted by Samosir Regency, followed by an overnight stay on Samosir Island.

Day 6 – Discovering the Culture of Samosir Island

Thursday, 29 October 2026

The sixth day is dedicated to discovering the cultural and tourism attractions of Samosir Island.

After breakfast, participants will embark on a sightseeing tour visiting Tomok Village and Ambarita Village.

The journey provides an opportunity to experience the distinctive character of Samosir and discover its local tourism offerings.

Following lunch, participants will conduct further tourism product inspections, gaining insight into accommodation and other tourism-related opportunities.

The afternoon is reserved for free time, with optional watersport activities available at the participant’s own expense.

Day 7 – Cultural Landscapes and the Journey to Taman Simalem Resort

Friday, 30 October 2026

The exploration of the Lake Toba region continues with visits to Lumban Suhi-Suhi, Pangururan Waterfront, and Sibeabea Hill.

The morning combines scenic landscapes with opportunities to experience the local character of the region.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the group continues toward Taman Simalem Resort.

Along the way, participants will stop at Tele View Point, offering another opportunity to appreciate the spectacular scenery surrounding Lake Toba.

Upon arrival at Taman Simalem Resort, the program includes hotel check-in, inspection, dinner, and a presentation.

Participants will then spend the night at the resort.

Day 8 – Sunrise, Agro Tourism and the Highlands of Berastagi

Saturday, 31 October 2026

The final full day of the journey begins early, with participants waking up at 04:00 for a sunrise experience at One Tree Hill.

After breakfast, the morning continues with a hiking experience through the resort’s agro tourism area and forest.

The group then checks out and departs for Berastagi, one of North Sumatra’s highland destinations.

Along the way, participants will visit Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, Doulu Traditional House, and the local fresh flower and fruit market.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the journey continues to Shwedagon Pagoda at Lumbini Park.

The group then proceeds toward Medan for dinner before continuing to the Kualanamu area for the final overnight stay.

Day 9 – Farewell North Sumatra

Sunday, 1 November 2026

After breakfast, participants will check out and depart for Kualanamu International Airport, marking the end of the ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026 program.

Nine days of business networking, destination exploration, cultural encounters, nature experiences, and hospitality come together in a journey designed to leave participants with a deeper understanding of North Sumatra.

Dress Code Guide

To ensure participants are appropriately dressed for every activity throughout the ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026 program, the following dress code is recommended:

24 October 2026 – Arrival & Welcome Dinner

Casual Attire

Comfortable casual clothing for arrival, transfers, and the evening Welcome Dinner.

25 October 2026 – Gunung Leuser Adventure

Trekking Outfit

Comfortable outdoor clothing and suitable footwear for trekking and tube rafting activities.

26 October 2026 – Medan City Tour

ASTEX T-Shirt

Participants are requested to wear the designated ASTEX T-Shirt during the day’s city tour activities.

27 October 2026 – Travel Exchange

Business Attire

Professional business attire is required during the Travel Exchange business sessions, presentations, and networking activities.

27 October 2026 – Farewell Dinner

National Dress or Formal Attire

For the evening Farewell Dinner, participants are invited to wear their national dress or formal attire, creating a memorable and culturally rich closing to the main Travel Exchange program.

More Than a Travel Exchange

ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026 is designed to go beyond traditional B2B meetings.

It brings together business, destination discovery, culture, nature, and meaningful connections in one comprehensive journey through North Sumatra.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience the region firsthand—from the rainforest and wildlife of Bukit Lawang, the cultural heritage and urban attractions of Medan, the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Toba and Samosir Island, to the highland scenery and agro-tourism experiences around Taman Simalem and Berastagi.

Through direct destination experiences and professional business meetings, ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026 creates a platform where international travel buyers can discover new products, meet local tourism partners, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Because sometimes, the best way to understand a destination is not simply to hear about it—but to experience it, connect with its people, and discover its possibilities firsthand.

ASTINDO Sumut Travel Exchange 2026 — Where Business Meets Destination, and Connections Become Opportunities.