The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) is set to collaborate with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM) for the upcoming "Welcome India" roadshow series. This event, scheduled alongside 24 industry partners, aims to enhance the Maldives' presence in the Indian market and foster stronger business relationships.
The roadshow, a significant business-to-business (B2B) event, will bring together professionals from the Indian travel industry, offering excellent opportunities for collaboration and networking. The Maldives delegation will include Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism, and Mr. Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development. This three-day event will provide a platform to engage with partners in India, fortifying bonds and strengthening the Maldives’ tourism segments.
MMPRC is focused on showcasing the unique aspects of the Maldives, such as pristine beaches, exquisite resorts, and rich cultural heritage. To further entice participation, an exciting raffle giveaway is planned, with holiday prizes sponsored by Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives, Arena Hotels, Kaani Hotels, Villa Nautica, Sirru Fen Fushi, Holiday Inn Kandooma, and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.
India is a crucial source of outbound tourists for the Maldives. As of June 2024, the Maldives has welcomed over 63,451 Indian tourists, accounting for a 6.2% market share of total tourist arrivals. Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "We deeply value this partnership and are firmly committed to its continued growth and success. This roadshow is a testament to our ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian travel industry."
In addition to the roadshow, Visit Maldives has conducted several initiatives to promote the Maldives in India, including participation in major fairs like OTM and SATTE 2024. In May 2024, renowned Indian model and social media influencer Niki Mehra was hosted in the Maldives during a familiarization trip. Future plans include a campaign with Globalspa, featuring a photoshoot with celebrity Malaika Arora, and joint marketing efforts with Cleartrip and Pickyourtrail.
Visit Maldives remains dedicated to showcasing the unparalleled beauty and unique experiences of the Maldives. Through participation in fairs, roadshows, and diverse promotional events, the goal is to maintain the Maldives' status as the World's Leading Destination.