Songkhla, Thailand, May 10, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2022 from August 2 to 4 at the International Convention Center (ICC) in Songkhla, Thailand.

The event is themed “Sustainable Reconstruction through Cultural Heritage and Community-Based Tourism” and is generously hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Songkhla Convention and Exhibition Bureau (SCEB) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) with the support of the City of Songkhla.

“At this year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum, we are delighted to celebrate the beginning of a strong tourism recovery in the Asia-Pacific region. Our experience-focused conference program highlights best practices in destination marketing and management in the post-pandemic era. We are supporting a sustainable recovery for the region,” said Liz Ortiguera, CEO of PATA. “All of us at PATA are excited to host our next event locally and demonstrate that Thailand is open to international MICE events like ours. We look forward to welcoming you to Songkhla, Thailand.”

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the TCEB, stated: “The TCEB is proud and delighted to promote and co-organize the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2022 in Songkhla, Thailand. The event, which will serve as a catalyst for international MICE events in Thailand, contributes to the implementation of government policies aimed at boosting and developing the regional economy. Songkhla is one of Thailand’s leading MICE cities and possesses great potential and a strong commitment to hosting world-class international congresses. The city has already established an excellent reputation as a host of numerous high-profile MICE events.”

“This event will significantly contribute to raising the profile of Songkhla and other regional MICE cities as international MICE destinations. At TCEB, we are committed to responsible, environmentally friendly, and sustainable growth in the MICE sector, using MICE events to benefit local communities and promote inclusive economic growth across the country,” he added.

Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) of the TAT, said: “Songkhla is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, as well as beautiful beaches, enchanting waterfalls and a tranquil lake. Furthermore, Songkhla exudes the vibrant character of a dynamic trade and knowledge center with unique local architecture and excellent cuisine. We look forward to welcoming all PATA delegates to Songkhla and giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in this remarkable destination.”

Mr. Ampon Pongsuwan, Vice Governor of Songkhla, said: “Welcome to Songkhla, one of the most beautiful cities in Southern Thailand. Being surrounded by water, you'll find some of the freshest seafood here – a paradise for all seafood lovers. All delegates of the PDMF 2022 are warmly invited to participate in our unique cultural activities, visits to well-preserved historical buildings, and a boat trip on Thailand's largest natural lake to discover exotic tropical plants and animals. Songkhla is also home to Southern Thailand's largest convention center, as well as a variety of high-quality hotels. If you've never visited such an ethnically diverse city, Songkhla is definitely worth a visit. Sawasdee krub!”

The event offers a unique opportunity for networking, learning and discovery and consists of a one-day conference and a one-day excursion to the destination as part of a technical tour, as well as various social events.

Participants in the event will have the opportunity to choose from three unique travel experiences planned and designed by DASTA, including:

– Nod Na Lae Lifestyle in the Tha Hin Community: Experience the traditional way of life of the local Tha Hin tribe and learn how they promote ecotourism. – Nature Meets Culture in the Koh Yo Community: Discover the culture of the ethnic minorities in the south and enjoy an authentic village that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. – Heritage Singora in the Hua Khoa Community: Enjoy views of the Songkhla estuary and explore the old town with its numerous UNESCO World Heritage candidates.

Gp. Capt. Athikun Kongmee, Director General of DASTA, said: “With great enthusiasm and readiness to welcome all delegates to Songkhla, DASTA has developed three routes for technical tours to showcase the benefits of community-based tourism leading to sustainable tourism development.”

Songkhla, located in southern Thailand, is a fishing town and known as an important port and seaport, as well as the "City of Two Seas." The Thai government recently nominated Songkhla as a World Heritage Site and a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Travelers will be delighted by the many attractions, including the Old Town, and the excellent local cuisine.

Songkhla is easily accessible from Bangkok by plane, with numerous international airlines offering flights to and from Bangkok. Furthermore, direct flights from Singapore and Malaysia to Songkhla, which were suspended during the pandemic, will soon resume.

Participation in the event is free. However, due to limited seating, PATA International members will be given priority on a first-come, first-served basis.

As PATA acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism in, from and within the Asia-Pacific region, the association is proud to state that the PATA Destination Marketing Forum is a carbon-neutral event and that PATA is collaborating with a local environmental project to help organizations reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration sources in Thailand.