To further develop and strengthen the Maldives’ position as a leading destination for European holidaymakers, representatives from Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) met with travel industry contacts and travel trade media at five prestigious industry shows throughout the first quarter of 2019.

Most recently, from 6^th – 10^th March 2019, representatives from MMPRC attended ITB Berlin, which is renowned as the world’s leading trade show. Over 270 representatives from 105 organisations travelled to Berlin to meet with key airline and tour operator partners and discuss opportunities to increase tourism to the Maldives from Europe. The Maldives delegation was led by Vice President his Excellency Faisal Naseem; the Minister of Tourism, his Excellency Ali Waheed; and the Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr Thoyyib Mohamed.

The Visit Maldives stand at ITB Berlin showcased the culture and beauty of the destination and stand guests were treated to massages by Sun Siyam and delicious Maldivian cuisine. Traditional Bodu Mas Eid celebrations also took place on the stand, along with Maldivian dance performances by Goma dance group plus live music from the Maldivian band Equatic Vibe. Stand visitors could also view lacquer work and other handicraft work taking place. Furthermore, a Maldivian Night evening event was held on 6^th March 2019 at the Grand Hyatt Berlin and was attended by international members of the travel trade and media contacts.

In January and February, MMPRC also showcased the Indian Ocean destination at FITUR in Madrid, One World Travel Market in Mumbai, FESPO in Zurich and at EMITT in Istanbul.

At least 18 resorts are scheduled to open in the Maldives this year, including VARU by Atmosphere, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Resort and The Nautilus, a 26-roomed boutique resort in the heart of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Maldives will also celebrate the opening of CROSSROADS, a combined leisure and entertainment project that will span across nine islands and will become the largest integrated resort in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives recently announced an impressive 10.2% year-on-year increase in the total number of UK visitor arrivals in 2018, when compared with 2017. In total, 114,602 UK tourists visited in the Indian Ocean destination in 2018, representing the third largest inbound market globally for tourism to the Maldives.

For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.

ENDS

Photo Caption:
Image 1: The Visit Maldives stand at ITB Berlin 2019.
Image 2: Over 270 representatives from 105 organisations travelled to Berlin as part of the Maldives delegation at ITB Berlin.
Image 3: A Maldivian Night evening event was held on 6^th March 2019 at the Grand Hyatt Berlin and was attended by (front row, left to right) MMPRC’s Managing Director, Mr Thoyyib Mohamed; Vice President his Excellency Faisal Naseem; and the Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ali Waheed.

Media Enquiries:
GEC PR | [email protected]

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