The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced Chiang Rai, Thailand, as the host city for the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 (PDMF 2025), to be held from December 1 to 3 at the Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel & Convention.
The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the 2024 forum, confirming Chiang Rai’s return to the spotlight after previously hosting a PATA event in 2016.
Under the theme “Steeped in Tradition, Rooted in Wellness: Weaving the Meaningful Narrative of Travel,” the forum will be co-hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Chiang Rai City, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The event combines immersive local experiences with strategic conference sessions to promote sustainable and culturally driven tourism development.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “PATA is thrilled to partner with Chiang Rai in hosting next year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum. This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to elevating emerging yet exceptional destinations on the global stage.” He noted the event’s format blends destination exploration with expert-led sessions to deliver “practical insights, actionable strategies, and emerging trends.”
The forum will provide tourism professionals, marketers, and stakeholders with tools to boost destination appeal while emphasizing sustainability and local engagement. Hamid also emphasized the continued partnership with TCEB, calling it one of PATA’s “most valued partners.”
Local Leaders Highlight Chiang Rai’s Tourism Potential
Charin Thongsuk, Governor of Chiang Rai Province, said the event offers an opportunity to present the province “not only as a destination of beauty and cultural richness, but also as a model for sustainable and community-based tourism.” TCEB President Dr. Supawan Teerarat noted Chiang Rai’s growing role as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination and praised its blend of nature, culture, and creativity.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool added that the agency remains committed to “advancing value-based tourism that promotes sustainability, enhances destination distinctiveness, and raises industry standards.” DASTA Director-General Siripakorn Cheawsamoot said the forum will showcase local heritage through curated technical tour programmes, including visits to the Royal Project of Doi Tung and ethnic community experiences.
Forum Design and Registration Details
The PDMF 2025 programme will feature one day of destination immersion and one day of strategic sessions. Registration is complimentary, with priority access for PATA members on a first-come, first-served basis. In alignment with its sustainability goals, PATA will implement a USD 10 carbon offset fee per attendee, supporting a local Thai environmental initiative.
Chiang Rai, located in northern Thailand, is known for cultural landmarks such as Wat Rong Khun and Baan Dam Museum, scenic spots like Doi Pha Tang, and community-based tourism offerings. The city is accessible via a one-hour flight from Bangkok, and the forum aims to position it as a case study for destination marketing, sustainable tourism, and stakeholder collaboration.
Additional details on registration and the full event programme will be released in the coming months.
