The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) hosted the much-anticipated Maldives Media Meet on 5th November 2024 at WTM London. This exclusive press conference, held at the Excel London Hall N1-500, was a key moment for the Maldives tourism industry, offering insights into the country’s latest initiatives and global campaigns.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of MMPRC, led the event, highlighting the importance of the Maldives’ people in making the destination truly special. In his speech, Shiuree remarked, “Going beyond the pristine beaches and clear waters, there are many things that make our island destination truly unique and truly special. The real heart of our islands always has and always will remain the warmth and kindness of our people.”
The conference also featured Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, Chairperson of MMPRC, who introduced the new global campaign, "World’s Biggest Holiday Giveaway". Riyaz explained, “Our vision at Visit Maldives includes a creative renaissance with many initiatives, where local talent is at the helm, bringing their ideas and dreams to life. Our latest global campaign, the "World’s Biggest Holiday Giveaway," offers an unprecedented opportunity for travellers to experience 365 days of magic in the Maldives. We believe this will attract new travellers, from new markets, with new dreams.”
Dr. Iruthisham Adam, High Commissioner of the Maldives to the UK, spoke about the 60 years of friendship between the Maldives and the UK, emphasizing the enduring bond between the two nations. She said, “As we celebrate 60 years of friendship between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, we are reminded of the strong and enduring bond our two nations share. The Maldives offers British travellers not only the beauty of our islands but also an invitation to experience our rich culture, world-class hospitality, and commitment to sustainable tourism. We welcome you all to discover 'The Sunny Side of Life' with us.”
Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism, also addressed the audience, stressing the importance of sustainability in the Maldives’ tourism development. He stated, “We are committed to providing every visitor with an experience that respects and nurtures our environment. The aim is to ensure that future generations can enjoy this paradise just as we do today.”
The event was followed by a Q&A session with key tourism industry leaders, including Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development, and Hussain Afeef, Vice Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), who shared insights and answered questions from the media.
A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the "World’s Biggest Holiday Giveaway". This campaign aims to promote the Maldives as a year-round destination, offering a chance to win a dream vacation every week in 2025. Each week will feature a different theme, including luxury, adventure, romance, and more, encouraging global participation and generating excitement for the Maldives.
The Maldives Media Meet served to strengthen connections with key UK media outlets, with the goal of raising awareness about the country’s diverse tourism offerings and commitment to sustainable travel. With the holiday season approaching, this event is expected to drive tourism arrivals from the UK, one of the Maldives’ largest markets.
At WTM London, MMPRC is showcasing the Maldives alongside 91 representatives from 217 industry companies, promoting the destination's appeal to UK travellers. The campaign’s goal is to ensure the Maldives remains top of mind for travellers seeking a unique and sustainable holiday experience.