A dynamic range of influential tourism experts are set to gather in Khon Kaen, Thailand for the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2018 (PDMF 2018) from November 28-30.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has gathered a dynamic line up of speakers and panellists for inspiring and insightful discussions on some of the major issues in marketing and managing tourism growth to lesser-known destinations. The event, with the theme “Growth with Goals”, is generously hosted by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with the support of Khon Kaen province.
“The PATA Destination Marketing Forum provides our delegates with an engaging programme that examines the challenges and opportunities for destinations and industry stakeholders in developing attractive, marketable tourism products that maximise social and economic benefits while minimising any negative environmental impacts,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “The Association recognises that while tourism is a powerful tool for economic growth, job creation, and cultural empathy and understanding across borders, the most interesting and unique attractions – including indigenous culture, wildlife and natural landscapes – are nearly always located in areas where access is difficult, and poverty is often the greatest. This important event, in alignment with PATA’s advocacy theme of tourism dispersal, highlights our commitment in contributing to the discussion on the responsible development of the travel and tourism industry.”
Confirmed speakers for the event include Art Thomya, CEO & Founder – Art Inspire Company Limited; Benjamin Liao, Chairman – Forte Hotel Group; Chris Carnovale, Project Manager, CBT Vietnam-Vietnam Tourism Training Project – Capilano University, Canada; Damian Cook, CEO & Founder – E-Tourism Frontiers; Edmund Morris, Component Lead at USAID Jordan Local Enterprise Support Project (LENS) – USAID; Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director – Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office; John Williams, Vice President Advertising Sales – Singapore, South & South East Asia, BBC Global News; Kei Shibata, Co-founder & CEO, LINE TRAVEL jp & Trip101; Michael Goldsmith, Vice President of Marketing – Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; Peter Semone, Chief of Party – USAID Tourism for All, Timor-Leste; Richard Cutting-Miller, Executive Vice President – Resonance; Richard Rose, Country Director – Lao PDR, Swisscontact; Torsten Edens, COO – Go Beyond Asia, and Willem Niemeijer, CEO – Yaana Ventures.
The event explores various topics including ‘Status of Destination Management Around the World’, ‘The Role of Local Experiences in Destination Marketing’, ‘Managing the Disconnect between Destination Organisations and Communities’, ‘Transborder Marketing: Case Studies of GMS’, ‘Fighting Undertourism Through Innovative Storytelling’, ‘Calculating our Impact as Destinations’, and ‘Leveraging Technology to Revolutionise the Travel Space’.
The conference will also include a workshop on digital marketing, which will use elements from the previous day’s Technical Tour and Tourism Marketing Treasure Hunt.
Located in the heart of Thailand’s Northeast region, Khon Kaen is the region’s transport hub, investment and development centre, widely known for its traditional Isan culture, local wisdom and premium quality Mad Mee silk. With superior venues for conferences and product exhibitions, accommodation, and facilities, it is regarded as the ‘MICE City’ of the North-East as well as the hub for the region’s industrial development in accordance with the ‘Economic Corridors Development’ policy of the Government, which aims to enhance connections between Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR and Vietnam. Khon Kaen delights both business and leisure travellers with a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every need and budget. It also has wide selections of meeting rooms, conference facilities, exhibition venues.
Apart from its strategic economic and commercial positioning, Khon Kaen is culture-rich and offers plenty of natural attractions which can turn to unique and memorable outdoor activities. It has a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks – all well suited for team buildings and theme parties. Visitors also can experience the lifestyle of Isan people, exciting antiques and pre-historical artefacts, popular authentic Isan cuisine, and lively smiles of Isan people.
In advocating for the responsible and sustainable development of emerging destinations, PATA is pleased to offer complimentary registration to all interested parties who wish to attend. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that airfare and accommodation costs are the sole responsibility of delegates.
To register for the event or for more information, please visit www.PATA.org/PDMF or email [email protected].
