Chiang Mai University (CMU) is in the beautiful Northern Thailand region. It is a place for knowledge acquisition and transfer in the arts and the sciences. It is a place for academic excellence, based on academic freedom and guided by moral precepts, to benefit the region and the country.

As Thailand's first provincial university, CMU was established in 1964 per the government's policy and objectives for providing the country's various regions with academic and occupational education centers, creating the transfer of multiple research areas. The preservation of Lanna culture and Northern values are significant at CMU. CMU operates according to the principles of academic freedom, adhering to the truth and virtue of excellence. In 2023, CMU was ranked 801-1000 globally in the World University Rankings 2024, no. 74 worldwide in THE Impact Rankings 2023, no. three in Thailand, and no. 1 in Thailand for SDG 13: Climate Action

Chiang Mai University is a large, diverse organization and has expertise in multiple disciplines with the availability of resources at the forefront of the country. The university aims to achieve educational development while giving back to society. Advancing Chiang Mai University to become an innovative university is a crucial challenge. Chiang Mai University drives the operation by applying creativity, technology, and innovation. Efficiently utilizing its existing resources, including researchers, research tools, knowledge, and research intellect, will lead to practical applications and innovative creations through technology transfer and startup businesses

In addition, social innovation builds on the concept of being a university serving society, creating innovations to improve people's quality of life with close collaboration between the education sector, the public sector, the private sector, and society. It is an essential part of driving Chiang Mai University to achieve its vision of being "A Leading University Committed to Social Accountability and Sustainable Development through Innovation," creating a significant impact on the economy and society becoming competitive globally.

Chiang Mai is known for its culture and heritage and has been promoted as the Crafts and Folk Arts City by UNESCO Since 2017. Moreover, it is also notable for being a health and wellness destination, digital nomad hub, and technology and startup city

As mentioned, the mixture of Chiang Mai University's goals and the city's reputation leads to the conference theme, Transforming to The Future: Innovation, AI, and ESG for Tourism and Hospitality. Collaboration among academic institutions and the tourism industry sector can lead us to the enhancement of knowledge, frontier research, competency, technology, and innovation in the field, mainly aiming to achieve the long-term economic sustainability goal.

We want to welcome all delegates, scholars, and professionals in tourism and hospitality to our province. Chiang Mai, the vibrant capital of the Lanna Kingdom, invites you to a rich tapestry of cultures and wisdom. We would ensure that APacCHRIE 2025 will be remarkable and highly successful.