The PATA AT&RTCM 2016 not only underpins TAT’s leadership position as a leading-edge organisation realising the importance of adventure travel and responsible tourism, but also showcases Chiang Rai as a top emerging destination for both thrill-seeking and socially aware travellers.
BANGKOK – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reinforcing the readiness of Chiang Rai province to host the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016 (AT&RTCM 2016) during 17-19 February, 2016. The three-day niche event not only underpins TAT’s leadership position as a leading-edge organisation realising the importance of adventure travel and responsible tourism, but also showcases Chiang Rai as a top emerging destination for both thrill-seeking and socially aware travellers.
Highlighting the modern infrastructure, eco-friendly accommodation, as well as green and sustainable tourism products and services, the historic capital of the Lanna Kingdom looks forward to welcoming delegates and professionals in adventure travel and responsible tourism – who are meeting to promote environmental protection and social sustainability within the industry – with cultural and natural wonders that range from ancient ruins to ever green mountain ranges, and remote hill tribes.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor commented that, “Thailand has long been known as a top tourist destination, winning a favourite spot in the heart of avid travellers from all over the world. By supporting the organising of the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2016, the renowned annual meeting for public and private sector professionals and organisations will further propel Thailand to the forefront of environmental protection and social sustainability within the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.”
Conveniently accessed from Bangkok by a number of 90-minute daily flights available to Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport, or some 800 kilometres from Bangkok by road, Thailand’s northernmost border province also boasts extensive ranges of accommodation, from uber luxurious tented camps and exclusive retreats to five-star hotels and guest houses.
A variety of natural and manmade attractions – including Mae Fah Luang Garden and Doi Tung Royal Villa, museums and sacred places of worship, sunset viewpoint and Chiang Rai Beach, as well as a myriad of activities including trekking, boating, and rock climbing are on offer.
In addition, Chiang Rai is also the home of community development programmes focusing the betterment of the quality of life for Thailand’s ethnic minorities and hill tribe villagers. These programmes encompass the development of livelihoods, including the reforestation of watershed areas and benefitting the local people through the development of a range of social enterprises.
“By sharing our corporate vision to encourage innovative tourism product and service offerings, while raising awareness on social responsibility in the tourism industry, the endeavour is in harmony with TAT’s strategic direction going forward. We look forward to industry-wide adoption of this outlook across the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr. Yuthasak concluded.
According to the preliminary figures of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports during 1 January – 16 December 2015, Thailand welcomed a total of 28.3 million international travellers. This generates the tourism revenue of 1.357 trillion baht while Chiang Rai saw a total of 898,836 visitors from January – November, 2015.
Photo caption: Mountain biking at Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai
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