MICE INITIATIVES

Chiang Rai Hosts a Successful and Impactful PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025

Chiang Rai reaffirmed its standing as a culturally rich destination and UNESCO Creative City of Design with the successful staging of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 (PDMF 2025), held from 1-3 December at the Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel & Convention. Over three days, the forum brought together global tourism leaders, marketers and policymakers for a programme that combined thought leadership with deep local immersion.

Centred on the theme Steeped in Tradition, Rooted in Wellness, PDMF 2025 aligned closely with PATA's mission to highlight secondary and tertiary destinations across the Asia Pacific, while supporting the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)'s strategy to position emerging cities as competitive Business Events destinations. The forum was co-hosted by Chiang Rai Province, TCEB, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Opening the event, Mr Napintorn Srisunpang, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office, emphasised the growing global focus on heritage, community and holistic wellbeing, noting that cultural identity and creativity are key drivers of sustainable economic growth. Echoing this sentiment, Chiang Rai Governor Mr Choocheap Pongchai highlighted the province's strong sense of place, describing wellness as a connection between people, culture and community.

Senior tourism leaders reinforced Chiang Rai's strategic importance. PATA Chair Mr Peter Semone spoke of the role of creativity and local voices in shaping authentic visitor experiences, while Dr Supawan Teerarat, President of TCEB, underlined how Chiang Rai's UNESCO Creative City of Design status strengthens Thailand's long-term MICE vision. TAT Executive Director Mr Santi Sawangcharoen further positioned the province as a pioneer of restorative and wellness-led travel.

Beyond the conference hall, delegates experienced Chiang Rai through cultural showcases, technical tours and hands-on activities, visiting iconic sites such as Wat Rong Khun, the Doi Tung Development Project and community-based destinations including Ban San Thang Luang and Pha Mee. Sessions featuring speakers from UNESCO, international tourism boards and the creative sector explored themes ranging from hyper-local storytelling to technology with purpose.

Welcoming more than 320 delegates from 18 destinations worldwide, PDMF 2025 demonstrated how Chiang Rai successfully weaves culture, creativity, wellness and sustainability into a compelling model for the future of destination development in the Asia Pacific.

Source : Travel Daily News