Chiang Rai Takes the Torch as Host of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025

BANGKOK, September 8, 2025 – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced Chiang Rai as the host destination for the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 (PDMF 2025), scheduled to be held at the Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel & Convention, from December 1 - 3, 2025. This news was officially shared during the closing ceremony of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024, solidifying Chiang Rai’s role as the stage for the next edition of this event.

Under the theme, “Steeped in Tradition, Rooted in Wellness: Weaving the Meaningful Narrative of Travel,” the event will be co-hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Chiang Rai City, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

“PATA is thrilled to partner with Chiang Rai in hosting next year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum, having previously organised the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 once before in the province,” remarked PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. 

“This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to elevating emerging yet exceptional destinations on the global stage. The forum’s unique format, combining a one-day destination experience with a one-day conference, will offer destination marketers and tourism professionals practical insights, actionable strategies, and emerging trends to boost their destinations' appeal. It will also provide a meaningful platform for connecting with industry experts who share the vision for the growth of Asia Pacific tourism.”

He continued, “We’re equally delighted to once again join forces with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), one of our most valued partners. With their support, the upcoming programme promises rich learning opportunities drawn from both the immersive destination experience and expert-led sessions. I look forward to welcoming all tourism stakeholders to Chiang Rai, Thailand.”

Chiang Rai Province Governor, Charin Thongsuk, said, “We are honored that Chiang Rai will co-host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025. This opportunity allows us to showcase our province not only as a destination of beauty and cultural richness, but also as a model for sustainable and community-based tourism. With the strong collaboration between our local communities, the public sector, and PATA’s international network, we look forward to welcoming delegates from across the world to experience the unique character and hospitality of Chiang Rai.”

TCEB President, Dr. Supawan Teerarat, said: “TCEB is proud to work with PATA to promote Thailand’s emerging destination through this marketing conference. TCEB has been working with Chiang Rai, one of our destinations with high potential as a MICE City, in various aspects. We are, thus, confident in the province’s unique selling points featuring a fine blending of nature, culture and creativity. Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang Garden is also an early winner of the PATA Gold Award. As Chiang Rai is blessed with both high-valued localized and contemporary offerings, PDMF 2025 will definitely be a forum to connect and to inspire.”

TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said, “The Tourism Authority of Thailand remains firmly committed to advancing value-based tourism that promotes sustainability, enhances destination distinctiveness, and raises industry standards. We are pleased to support the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025, which will highlight Chiang Rai’s unique potential, while also fostering opportunities for other secondary and tertiary destinations to gain strategic insights into effective destination promotion and sustainable development.”

DASTA Director - General, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, said "DASTA is proud to have supported Chiang Rai in its journey to become part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as the Creative City of Design, and we are delighted to co-host another edition of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum in this province. As part of the Forum, DASTA is designing technical tour programmes that will illuminate the cultural depth and intrinsic values of Chiang Rai, ranging from its historical and artistic heritage, to hands-on experiences that offer meaningful engagement with local traditions and ways of life. The programmes will also highlight the Royal Project of Doi Tung, a sustainable development model which is transforming the opium cultivation area into green forests, horticulture and tourist attractions as well as Chiang Rai’s diverse ethnic cultures through creative community-based tourism activities.”

The city of Chiang Rai, nestled in the northernmost region of Thailand, is known for its complex mountain range and the famous Golden Triangle region. Home to iconic sites like Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and Baan Dam Museum (the Black House), Chiang Rai captivates visitors with its art and architecture that represent both the skills of Thai National Artists and the rich heritage of the Northern Thai region. Visitors who seek calming natural scenery can enjoy the breathtaking morning mist from Doi Pha Tang’s peaks, explore lush tea plantations, and relax by serene waterfalls. The province also offers immersive cultural experiences, showcasing traditional crafts and local customs. Conveniently, the province is only a one-hour flight from Bangkok.

About PATA Destination Marketing Forum

The PATA Destination Marketing Forum is a three-day event designed to empower emerging destinations, providing them with tools and insights for growth as globally recognised tourism hubs. This year’s event offers a collaborative and informative experience, combining local exploration with practical sessions.

Registration Details and Carbon Offset Fee

Registration for PDMF 2025 is complimentary, with priority given to PATA Members on a first-come, first-served basis. Reflecting PATA’s commitment to sustainable tourism, PDMF 2025 will be a carbon neutral event. PATA is partnering with a local environmental initiative in Thailand to support greenhouse gas reduction and enhance carbon sequestration. A nominal USD 10 carbon offset fee will be applied per attendee.

Further details about the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 will be shared in due course.