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

The PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 (PDMF 2025), held from December 1–3 at the Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel & Convention in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, spotlights Chiang Rai’s uniqueness as a UNESCO Creative City of Design and culturally rich destination.

Event Overview
- Dates & Venue:
December 1–3, 2025 at the Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel & Convention, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.
- Theme:
“Steeped in Tradition, Rooted in Wellness: Weaving the Meaningful Narrative of Travel.”
- Organizers:
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), co-hosted by Chiang Rai Province, TCEB (Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau), DASTA (Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration), and TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand).
- Delegates:
Over 320 participants from 18 destinations across Asia Pacific and beyond

Key Highlights
- Opening Ceremony: Led by Thai government officials, PATA Chair Peter Semone, and Chiang Rai leaders.
- Focus: Promoting secondary and tertiary destinations, cultural authenticity, and wellness-driven travel.
- Sessions & Activities:
- Expert-led conference sessions on creativity, heritage, and sustainable tourism.
- Technical tours showcasing Chiang Rai’s landmarks (Wat Rong Khun, Golden Triangle, Ban San Thang Luang, Tham Luang National Park, Baan Dam Museum, Singha Park).
- Cultural performances including Mist of Heritage: Grace of Lanna Ethnic Women.
- Social media contest to highlight Chiang Rai’s appeal.

Impact & Recognition
- UNESCO Creative City of Design: Chiang Rai’s designation spotlighted its cultural and creative strengths.
- Awards: Ban San Thang Luang Community won the PATA Gold Award 2025 for Women Empowerment; Ban Pha Mee Community recognized at the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards.
- Networking: Platform for collaboration among tourism boards, artists, and global organizations like UNESCO and Jeju Tourism Organization.

Broader Significance
- Reinforces Chiang Rai’s role as a model for sustainable, community-driven tourism.
- Aligns with Thailand’s vision of positioning secondary cities as attractive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destinations.
- Encourages heritage preservation, wellness tourism, and creative development as drivers of resilience in Asia-Pacific tourism

This forum was a milestone in showcasing Chiang Rai’s cultural richness and global tourism potential, blending tradition with innovation.