Maldives Launches ‘Welcome India’ Roadshow to Boost Tourism Ties

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The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, has announced a strategic collaboration with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM) for the “Welcome India” roadshow series. This initiative, supported by 24 industry partners, is set to enhance engagement with Indian travel professionals. The delegation from the Maldives includes Ibrahim Faisal, the Minister of Tourism, and Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development.

The three-day roadshow, a key business-to-business (B2B) event, aims to solidify partnerships with Indian industry stakeholders and offer valuable collaboration opportunities. It will target top Indian cities with direct connectivity to the Maldives, focusing on boosting the destination’s profile in this vital market.

“As of now, we have welcomed over 65,000 Indian tourists in 2024, highlighting the Maldives’ enduring appeal as a premier vacation spot for Indian travelers,” stated Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC. “We deeply value this partnership and are committed to its continued growth and success. This roadshow underscores our dedication to strengthening ties with the Indian travel industry.”

The roadshow will feature B2B networking sessions and interactive discussions, alongside an enticing raffle giveaway at each event. Prizes include holiday packages sponsored by notable Maldivian resorts such as 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 market for the Maldives, contributing significantly to the country’s tourism industry. As of June 2024, Indian arrivals have reached 63,451, representing 6.2 percent of total tourist arrivals. To further bolster this market, Visit Maldives has undertaken several promotional initiatives, including participation in the OTM and SATTE 2024 fairs and a familiarization trip for Indian influencer Niki Mehra in May 2024. Upcoming plans include a campaign with Globalspa magazine featuring celebrity Malaika Arora, and joint marketing efforts with Cleartrip and Pickyourtrail.

Visit Maldives is committed to showcasing the country’s pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage. Through diverse promotional activities and collaborations, the organization aims to maintain the Maldives’ status as the world’s leading destination, attracting travelers from across the globe.