Virtual Seminar with Malaysia Airlines Sets Stage for Japanese Tourism Revival

Wednesday 5th of June 2024

In a bid to fortify the Maldives' foothold in the Japanese travel market, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), in collaboration with Malaysia Airlines, orchestrated a dynamic virtual product seminar. The webinar, held on May 29th, 2024, via Microsoft Teams, targeted around 100 key travel professionals in Japan. Its primary objective? To reinforce the Maldives' status as a premier destination for Japanese tourists by fostering positive media coverage and sharing destination updates alongside industry peers.

This collaborative effort showcased presentations from Malaysia Airlines and tourism authorities from the Maldives, Malaysia, and Thailand. Among the highlights were updates to Malaysia Airlines' schedule and product offerings, including the introduction of a new daily direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to the Maldives, accompanied by special airfare promotions. The event also spotlighted the newfound convenience of travel between Malaysia and the Maldives.

The Japanese market holds significant sway in the Maldives' tourism landscape. Despite the pandemic's impact, arrivals from Japan have seen a promising recovery, with a notable doubling of arrivals year-on-year. In 2023 alone, 23,041 arrivals were recorded, followed by a substantial 9,333 arrivals in the first four months of 2024.

To reignite Japanese enthusiasm for the Maldives, Visit Maldives has deployed a comprehensive strategy. This multifaceted approach includes eye-catching ambient outdoor advertising in major Japanese cities and targeted social media campaigns conducted in Japanese. Leveraging the influence of Japanese-speaking staff and guests, these initiatives aim to connect with target audiences on a deeper level. Furthermore, high-end channels are utilized to underscore the Maldives' reputation as a premier destination, featuring diverse tourism experiences ranging from liveaboards and diving adventures to luxurious resorts and family-friendly holidays.

Aligned with these strategies, MMPRC will be participating in Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2024, a pivotal travel expo in Japan. This platform will allow Visit Maldives to showcase the nation's unparalleled offerings directly to potential travellers, further cementing its appeal in the Japanese market.