Phetchaburi chosen to host prestigious PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024

Thailand

“Event from 12-14 November at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel to showcase Phetchaburi’s rich heritage and culinary tourism while driving sustainable economic growth”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce Phetchaburi as the host city for the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024, scheduled for 12-14 November at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel.

The event will bring together over 300 industry leaders, aligning with Thailand’s 20-year National Strategy to boost international MICE tourism and underscore Thailand’s prominence as a business events hub.

Mrs. Wanpen Mangsri, Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of Phetchaburi, said “Hosting the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 is an excellent opportunity for Phetchaburi to enhance its image as a MICE destination and an international conference hub. Our diverse natural and cultural attractions, combined with our designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, position us ideally for this role.”

Phetchaburi’s hosting of the Forum demonstrates its readiness for large-scale international events.

The province is organising the event in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), and the TAT, along with various public and private sector agencies.

The Forum’s theme, “Authentic Prosperous Journeys: Nurturing Culture, Culinary Delights, and Community Wisdom,” will highlight how destinations like Phetchaburi can leverage their unique heritage and culinary traditions to foster sustainable tourism. The initiative includes eco-tourism routes and community-driven cultural tours to offer participants insight into Phetchaburi’s rich local attractions.

Mrs. Duangjai Khumsaard, Director of TAT Phetchaburi Office, said “The TAT emphasises our efforts on promoting Phetchaburi as a sustainable destination. This forum allows us to share our tourism potential with international stakeholders, driving the local economy and enhancing Phetchaburi’s global presence.”

The event will feature innovative technical tours across three eco-tourism routes, showcasing community-based initiatives like the Toddy Palm Route and Royal Coast Birdwatching Route.

The tours are organised in cooperation with the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) and the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) to elevate these three routes to Carbon Neutral Tourism. The Bird Conservation Society of Thailand will lead birdwatching tours to observe native and rare migratory birds from Siberia through eco-tourism, and students from Phetchaburi Rajabhat University will assist participants in these activities.

Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, PATA’s Chief Executive Officer, said that Phetchaburi’s commitment to cultural heritage and sustainability offers an ideal setting for this year’s forum, as PATA continues to promote responsible tourism practices worldwide.

Thailand has hosted the PATA Destination Marketing Forum three times: in 2018 in Khon Kaen, in 2019 in Pattaya, and in 2022 in Songkhla. Each event has served as a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.