Thailand’s Chiang Rai Named Official Host of Pacific Asia Travel Association Destination Marketing Forum 2025 Highlighting Its Emerging Position in International Travel Industry

Thailand’s Chiang Rai has been officially selected to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association Destination Marketing Forum 2025, a recognition that underscores its growing importance in the global travel landscape. The decision highlights how Chiang Rai, once known mainly for its serene mountains and cultural heritage, is now emerging as a strategic hub in international tourism, blending its natural beauty and cultural richness with modern infrastructure and global connectivity that make it an ideal stage for one of the industry’s most prestigious events.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has officially named Chiang Rai as the host city for the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2025 (PDMF 2025), set to take place from December 1 to 3, 2025, at the Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel & Convention. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2024 edition, confirming Chiang Rai’s position as the next focal point for this prestigious event.

With the theme “Steeped in Tradition, Rooted in Wellness: Weaving the Meaningful Narrative of Travel,” the upcoming forum will be jointly organized by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Chiang Rai City administration, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA). The initiative is also backed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighting a unified effort to promote sustainable and culturally rich travel experiences in the region.

“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.”

Thailand’s Chiang Rai has been chosen as the official host of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Destination Marketing Forum 2025, marking a major milestone for the city. This selection reflects its growing role in the international tourism industry, supported by its cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and improving infrastructure. Hosting the prestigious event positions Chiang Rai as an emerging hub for global travel and business opportunities.

Tucked away in Thailand’s northernmost frontier, Chiang Rai enchants travellers with its mountainous landscapes and historical allure. Renowned as part of the Golden Triangle, this peaceful province boasts remarkable landmarks such as the ethereal White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the mysterious Black House (Baan Dam Museum), both celebrated for their artistic brilliance and deep cultural symbolism. These architectural masterpieces reflect the creative vision of acclaimed Thai artists and the enduring traditions of Northern Thai culture. Nature lovers will find solace in the misty sunrise views atop Doi Pha Tang, strolls through emerald tea plantations, and moments of tranquility near cascading waterfalls. Beyond its natural beauty, Chiang Rai invites visitors to delve into authentic cultural experiences through local crafts, heritage practices, and village life. Just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, it offers an accessible gateway into Thailand’s northern charm.

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