Bangkok, Thailand, April 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 (PDMF 2024) from November 12-14, 2024, at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin in Cha-Am, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. The event is jointly organized by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the City of Phetchaburi, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

“PATA is delighted to return to Thailand to host this year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum, having previously held the event in Khon Kaen in 2018, Pattaya in 2019, and Songkhla in 2022. We are also pleased to be working again with our valued partners TCEB, TAT, and DASTA, and look forward to collaborating with the City of Phetchaburi in organizing this event,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “Our comprehensive conference program promises an enriching learning experience and offers attendees the opportunity to expand their networks in the ever-evolving travel and tourism industry. I warmly invite all stakeholders to join us in Cha-Am, Phetchaburi, Thailand, not only to learn and expand their networks, but also to celebrate and contribute to the continued growth of the travel and tourism sector in the Asia-Pacific region.”

“It is an honor that Phetchaburi has been selected to host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum,” said Phetchaburi Governor Nuttachai Numpoonsuksun. “Participants will be able to experience the enchanting charm of Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Phetchaburi is also a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and is known for its use of local ingredients. Dishes prepared according to the ‘3 flavors + 1’ concept not only enhance the culinary value but also the economic viability. The combination of the sweetness of palm sugar, the acidity of lime, the saltiness of salt, and the spiciness of karen chili gives the dishes a unique character. Furthermore, Phetchaburi is home to three palaces of three kings: the Pra Nakhon Khiri Palace (Khao Wang) of Rama IV, the Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Palace (Wang Ban Puen) of Rama V, and the Mrigadayavan Palace of Rama VI.” With its diverse attractions – from mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and forests to historical sites, the culturally significant crafts of the Ten Essential Traditional Handicrafts, and of course the Cha-Am district – the province is an ideal destination for both domestic and international visitors. Phetchaburi Province looks forward to welcoming everyone.” Delegates of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024

The President of the Convention and Exhibition Bureau of Thailand (TCEB), Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, stated: “The TCEB is delighted to host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum in Phetchaburi. I am convinced that the city is an ideal destination, especially considering the PDMF's objective of promoting long-term and sustainable growth and development of tourism for the benefit of the local population. Phetchaburi is rich in cultural treasures and natural resources, including beaches, national parks, a unique local way of life, historical sites, and royal palaces. Due to its rich heritage of local cuisine and desserts, the city was named a “Creative City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO in 2021. The TCEB is already working with local communities to strengthen their capacity to serve MICE guests. In this context, the TCEB hopes that this important international forum will provide an excellent platform for knowledge exchange and be a significant step towards the future development of the MICE industry in the city.”

The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, stated: “The PATA Destination Marketing Forum was created out of a desire to responsibly promote lesser-known destinations and develop them into internationally recognized tourist attractions. This year’s event is designed to be interactive and informative, taking place over two days. It offers unique opportunities for networking, learning, and discovery. On the first day, participants can expect a special experience: exploring the region’s natural landscapes and cultural treasures. The second day features a one-day forum with diverse networking opportunities.”

Participants in the event have the opportunity to choose from three unique travel experiences planned and designed by DASTA.

The Director General of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Lieutenant Colonel Athikun Kongmee, stated: “DASTA is delighted to be co-hosting the PDMF 2024 in Thailand with PATA and all stakeholders. We and our public and private sector networks, as well as local communities, look forward to welcoming the host team and all PDMF participants to Phetchaburi. DASTA has supported Phetchaburi Province in its membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) – a City of Gastronomy – and has worked with local communities to develop sustainable, community-based tourism and creative activities, as well as to raise the destination's national and international profile. DASTA's technical tour will take you to Phetchaburi's natural and cultural heritage, its history, and its unique features, especially its food culture, art, history, and architecture. Phetchaburi is an internationally recognized destination, having been awarded the UCCN and PATA Gold Award 2023 in the Culture – Traditional Performing and Visual Arts category.”

Located in central Thailand, Phetchaburi Province was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021. Travelers will be delighted by the vibrant local cuisine, which reflects the province's regional focus – from cultivation to consumption. Beyond delicious dishes made with fresh produce and seafood, Phetchaburi Province offers many other attractions, including the scenic views along Cha-Am Beach and a charming, community-based tourism experience at the Old Phetchaburi Town Riverside Community, a revitalization project that won the PATA Gold Award for Culture in 2023. Cha-Am, less than 200 km south of Bangkok and just 20 km north of Hua Hin, is a tranquil seaside resort in Phetchaburi Province.

Registration for the event is free, however, due to limited seating, PATA members will be given priority in the order of their arrival.

As a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism in, from, and within the Asia-Pacific region, PATA is proud to announce that the PATA Destination Marketing Forum is a carbon-neutral event. PATA is partnering with a local environmental project to support organizations in Thailand in reducing local greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. As part of our commitment to sustainability, a small fee of US$10 per person will be charged for carbon offsetting at this event.

For further information, please contact us by email at [email protected] or visit www.pata.org/pata-destination-marketing-forum-2024.

About PATA: Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the responsible development of travel and tourism in, from, and within the Asia-Pacific region. The association provides its member organizations—including state, regional, and municipal tourism authorities, international airlines and airports, hotel and hospitality businesses, and educational institutions—with coordinated advocacy, in-depth research, and innovative events. In addition, PATA is committed to supporting thousands of young tourism professionals worldwide. The PATA network also supports the grassroots work of PATA chapters and student chapters, which organize numerous training programs and business development events for the travel industry globally. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA student chapters. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unique data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre directly to members' desktop and mobile devices worldwide. PATA's headquarters have been in Bangkok since 1998. The association also maintains an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.