Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has launched a marketing campaign with Veepee to position the Maldives as a top of the mind destination in the French market. This campaign will be held for 10 days from 13th June 2022 onwards. 

Veepee, is a French based company that created the concept of flash sales. They are a leader in Europe in the Flash Sales business with 24 million members in France. The company has become a major player in e-commerce and is organised in close collaboration with more than 3,000 major brands. Veepee has an affluent audience who are constantly searching for their next holiday destination, which guarantees great publicity for the destination through this campaign. 

During the joint campaign with Veepee, MMPRC will promote the Maldives’ tourism products (resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards), the unique experiences available for tourists from the destination, the different segments of tourism available in the country, and the latest travel guidelines to the French market. 

During this campaign Maldives will be marketed on Veepee’s homepage, which is frequented by up to 3 million unique visitors. A dedicated website will also be created for the destination, accessible from within Veepee’s website, while an advertisement of Maldives will be posted on the banner of the travel page of Veepee. An emailer with the information of the destination will also be sent to the 9 million visitors of Veepee. This campaign is held as part of our marketing strategy for France, which focuses on showcasing the Maldives as the most preferred holiday destination for French travellers across all affluent segments and profiles. The campaign will create great visibility for the destination and entice an engaging audience to book their next holiday in the Maldives. 

As of 8th June 2022, 732,884 tourists visited the Maldives, with France contributing 3.9% of the total market share. During this period, France ranked as the 7th top source market to the destination with 28,904 tourists arrivals. 

MMPRC has planned several activities targeting the French market under the effort to maintain destination visibility. This includes joint-marketing campaigns, webinars, participation in major fairs and exhibitions, outdoor advertising, roadshows, and hosting familiarisation trips. Many such activities are in the pipeline for this market for this year as well. 

MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarisation trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.  

MMPRC launches campaign with VEEPEE to maintain Maldives as a top-of-the-mind destination in France

Media professionals from leading media outlets from India arrived in the Maldives by invitation from Maldives Marketing and Public Relation Corporations (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) for a familiarization trip. The team will be staying in the Maldives from 13th to 19th June 2022.

This team consists of professionals from the media outlets which includes Times of India, Financial Express, BW Business World, NDTV Food, and Travel Dine. The team is hosted at Kuramathi Maldives, The Residence Maldives and Noku Maldives where they are experiencing the world-renowned Maldivian hospitality, unique experiences, and different cuisines at their host properties. The theme of the familiarization trip is gastronomy, and they are experiencing the unique cuisines of the Maldives during their trip. The team will publish articles about the destination and the host resorts in their respective magazines and publications, which has extensive reach among travelers from India.

Officials from MMPRC visited Kuramathi and met with the two, holding discussions about ways to broaden efforts to further promote the destination in the Indian market. MMPRC representatives also shared a destination presentation with the members of the visiting team, giving the latest updates on travel guidelines to the Maldives, and interesting unique experiences available here.

The purpose of this familiarization trip is to promote the destination amongst potential travelers from India. The trip is expected to generate huge coverage highlighting the unique geographical advantage of our scattered islands and the one-island-one-resort concept which makes Maldives one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. It will further help to promote the unique experiences and individual tourism products of the Maldives (resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, and hotels). This trip is organized as part of MMPRC’s marketing strategy for the India market, aiming to provide the latest information about the travel guidelines to potential travelers from the region.

The fam trip is forecasted to increase arrival figures and bookings from India to the Maldives. So far this year MMPRC has held a destination e-learning campaign with 2HUB, influencer familiarization trips and celebrity familiarization trips. There are two digital campaigns ongoing, with Thomas Cook and PickyourTrail. In addition to this MMPRC participated in OTM and SATTE this year focusing on the India Market. There are several other marketing and advertising activities in the pipeline for this market for this year.

As of 8th June 2022, India is the leading source market for the Maldives with over 104,800 tourists visiting the destination from this market. India contributed 14.3% to the market share from the total 732,884 arrivals recorded to the Maldives during this period. India was also the largest market in 2021 with over 278,740 travelers and a market share of 22.6%. Similarly, India was the largest market in 2020 with an arrival figure of 62,960 and a market share of 11.3%.

MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarization trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travelers from all over the globe.

Professionals from leading India media outlets arrive in the Maldives for familiarization trip

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, has joined the high-level panel discussion at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Destination Marketing Forum 2022 (PDMF). The forum gathers the top minds in destination travel for insightful discussions on key issues in marketing and managing tourism growth to lesser-known destinations. This action-packed, annual event features two non-stop days of learning, discovery, and networking.

Beginning on August 4th in Songkhla, Thailand, the event invited high-level executives in global destination travel, including H.E. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand; and Ms Supawan Teerarat, the Senior Vice President of MICE Capability and Innovation, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). The forum further included prominent speakers such as Ms Nicola Eliot, the Vice President of BBC StoryWorks; Ms Montakarn Suvanatap Kittipaisalsilp, Program Officer for Culture, UNESCO Thailand; and Ms Naomi Mano, President of the Japan MICE Association and President and CEO of Luxurique Inc. The high-level delegates joined the forum for inspiring and insightful discussions on marketing and managing tourism growth to lesser-known destinations under the theme “Building Back Sustainably through Cultural Heritage and Community-based Tourism”. 

CEO & MD Thoyyib attended the forum by invitation from PATA, as one of the expert speakers for the “Destination Marketing in the age of COVID-19” panel. In addition to CEO & MD Thoyyib, the expert panel consisted of; Ms Noredah Othman, CEO of Sabah Tourism and Mr Dinh Ngoc Duc, the Director General of Tourism Marketing Department of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

Speaking at the session, Thoyyib recalled how MMPRC handled the Covid-19 crisis amidst the pandemic, and the many successes and accolades achieved during the time including; being stamped with the 'Safe Travels' label on September 18, 2020, by the World Travel Tourism Council; the fully digital campaign “Maldives; The Sun Will Shine Again” watched live by over 850,000 people across the world; and the highly-successful ‘I’m Vaccinated’ Covid-19 vaccination drive conducted together with the Ministry of Tourism.

“During the past year, our focus has been on working together to tackle the challenges faced by Covid-19. And our tourism sector has been extremely successful.” He said, “We dropped to half a million tourists in 2020 but this figure jumped to over 1.3 million in 2021. We are nearing the 1 millionth tourist mark in 2022 already, and I am proud to announce that the Maldives is now closing in on pre-pandemic arrival figures.”

In 2019, prior to the onset of the pandemic, the Maldives saw 990,791 visitors as of 31st July. While this number dipped significantly over the next two years, we are seeing a resurgence this year, with arrivals standing at 942,444 as of 30th July 2022.

In concluding his remarks at the discussion, Thoyyib asserted that the future of the Maldives tourism industry is bright, and full of promise and potential. He said that he considers this the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and continue to make the changes we need for the future, to maintain the Maldives’ position ahead of the curve, as we have done before. 

The global Covid-19 pandemic had a long-lasting impact across all dimensions of the travel and tourism industry. Destination marketing organizations had to rethink and readjust marketing strategies to adapt to constantly evolving situations. MMPRC was at the forefront of marketing the Maldives as a tourist destination during the pandemic. Since then, the Maldives has secured the title of the ‘World’s Leading Destination’ by World Travel Awards in two consecutive years and has established itself as one of the most desired and popular destinations in the world.

MMPRC CEO & MD Thoyyib Mohamed joins high-level panel discussion at PATA Destination Marketing Forum

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) has kicked off a strategic outdoor advertising campaign in key locations in Switzerland. The campaign is conducted from 12th September - 9th October 2022 with the aim of boosting the Maldives’ brand visibility and destination awareness in the Swiss markets. 

For the duration of this campaign, advertisements showcasing the beauty of the Maldives will be posted on billboards and digital screens in two major locations in Zurich for a duration of four weeks. The advertisements are estimated to reach millions of views each month. In addition to the natural splendour of the Maldives islands, the advertisements will also inform potential visitors of the exciting experiences available to Swiss visitors in the Maldives. 

The Swiss market is among the top performing source markets for tourist arrivals to the Maldives this year, with 22,751 arrivals as of 14th September 2022. MMPRC has been holding several activities in order to maintain destination presence and visibility and increase arrivals from this market. This includes familiarisation trips, digital media, and a print campaign with Falstaff. More activities are in the pipeline for this market for the future. 

As the company responsible for marketing the Maldives as a destination abroad, MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarisation trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.

MMPRC Kicks off Strategic Outdoor Advertising Campaign in Key Locations in Switzerland

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) showcases Maldives as a destination to the Japanese travel and consumer trade at Tourism EXPO Japan. The Expo is held at Tokyo Big Sight from the 22nd of September to the 25th. Ever since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, this is the first in-person event MMPRC participates that target the Japanese market.

With world-wide recognition, the Tourism Expo Japan is deemed as one of the biggest travel events hosted in the country with the aim of enhancing outbound, inbound and domestic travel from Japan. It provides a valuable platform for travel professionals to share information and build networking through business meetings, while still appealing to potential travelers by the allure of travel.

In the expo, Maldives will be displayed across a 63sqm stand space with captivating images highlighting the unique aspects and exclusive experiences offered by the destination. MMPRC is joined at the fair by 12 industry partners all striving to market the destination.

At the Maldives stand, visitors will be informed about the main products of tourism (resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards) and will be given an insight of the unique experiences awaiting tourists at our shores. Moreover, the stand will also bring into light the geographical distribution of the islands as well as the various segments (romance, honeymoon, family adventure, MICE & etc.) offered by our esteemed establishments.

During pre-pandemic times, the Japanese market was one of the top source markets for Maldives, however numbers has dwindled since the closing of international borders due to the pandemic. As of 10th August 2022, Maldives recorded 2909 arrivals from the Japan. Nevertheless, with the re-opening of borders recently, the Japanese market is expected to grow with numbers increasing in the upcoming months.

MMPRC has been conducting many activities in Japan to maintain destination presence and momentum. This included digital campaigns with forefront travel trade and media platforms and webinars for travel agents and tour operators. In the beginning of 2022, a familiarization trip was also carried out for this market, with many renowned media and publications from Japan taking part in the trip.

MMPRC Showcases Maldives At Tourism EXPO Japan

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) successfully concluded the Tourism Marketeers Evening 2022, hosted to collect feedback, ideas, and opinions from the tourism industry stakeholders for the destination marketing strategies for the Maldives for the year 2023. The event was held on 28th September, Wednesday, at Meeruma. A total of 41 tourism professionals took part in the event from a diverse range of travel trade vocations including; Managing Directors; General Managers; Sales and Marketing Managers; and other relevant tourism professionals.

Stakeholder input has always been a key component of MMPRC’s strategic planning process. Continuing our annual Tourism Marketeers Evening, following a two-year hiatus due to the covid-19 pandemic, is one of several activities conducted throughout the year to gather industry ideas and feedback. We work closely with the tourism industry and our partners to direct a collaborative effort to best develop and market the destination brand. The primary objective behind hosting this event was to gather expert opinions from tourism industry professionals regarding marketing the Maldives as the most preferred destination.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, MR Thoyyib Mohamed stated that “MMPRC has always prioritised working in collaboration with the industry when we craft the strategies that promote the Maldives as a destination. The ideas, feedback, and even criticism we get from our industry partners are crucial to constantly keep improving our brand. I am extremely grateful to all the attendants for the tremendous support we received for this year’s Tourism Marketeers Evening.”

Together with our industry, we brainstormed ideas in order to align and formulate our promotional activities and marketing strategies. The event included sharing ideas on innovative destination marketing and discussions on delivering similar destination messages from the entire Maldivian travel trade rather than fragmented messages. Sessions such as this help us and the industry to build a cohesive, strong, and alluring ‘Maldives’ brand. The brainstorming sessions and feedback will also help us work even closer together with our industry partners in the years to come.

The Tourism Marketeers Evening saw discussions on marketing activities such as fairs, roadshows, and familiarisation trips, as well as exchanging ideas on markets, segments, social media and promotional materials. One of the most exciting discussions, under the theme of “Working together through challenges”, was on addressing uncertain situations that arise within the industry due to external factors, geopolitical circumstances, and averting and dealing with such crises as one. Tourism industry representatives also shared their ideas, opinions, and suggestions for MMPRC’s destination marketing plan for the upcoming year.

“This is my first time at MMPRC's Marketeers event, and I think we had some very nice ideas shared by our industry colleagues here. I think it would have been better if we had more time, maybe this could be a longer event? People have a lot to share and discuss when they are together, but we are not able to come together in one place like this very often, especially industry experts. Overall I think it was a great event.“ - Fathimath Reena, Business Development Director of Oaga Resorts.

“The event is very good, it's great to meet the MMPRC team and share our ideas with the industry stakeholders. Having people from the different areas of the industry coming together was very good. I would love to see more events in a casual environment from MMPRC, for brainstorming and networking.“ - Ali Ameen, Managing Director of Travel Beach Maldives.

“This was a very nice event. Lovely. It was so nice to meet everyone in person, all the helpful people from MMPRC, because you guys are so collaborative and we always talk over emails so it's great to meet everyone who is in touch with us. It was great to meet different members of the event who have different ideas and perspectives. Thank you so much“ - Anastasiya Babenko, Marketing and PR Manager of LUX South Ari Atoll.

The marketing efforts by MMPRC carried throughout the year is in part - a coordinated effort by all of our industry partners in the Maldives. By the end of August 2022, MMPRC has marketed the Maldives at; 32 fairs; 3 roadshows in 7 cities; 16 FAM Trips; 6 virtual events 12 joint promotions and 12 social media campaigns. Additionally, 63 other marketing campaigns had been conducted to great success. MMPRC also engages PR agencies to implement PR and Trade Strategies in 15 key markets around the world. The efforts of MMPRC and the Maldives tourism industry have yielded several awards and accolades over the past years. The most notable of these were in 2020 and 2021, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ for two consecutive years.

The board and staff of MMPRC extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to each and every single individual working in the tourism industry, and all professionals who attended the Tourism Marketeers Evening 2022 to share their ideas, thoughts, and feedback on how to continue to keep the Maldives at the top of holidaymakers dream vacation list. With the feedback and comments received, we will be able to achieve even greater heights in tourism promotion.

MMPRC Hosts Tourism Marketeers Evening 2022, Collects Industry Feedback for 2023 Destination Marketing Strategies

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) and the

Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) today signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration and amplify destination marketing

efforts. "We are delighted to formalise this important collaboration with MATI," said Ibrahim

Shiuree, CEO & MD of MMPRC. "MATI’s extensive industry knowledge and experience will

undoubtedly be an indispensable asset in strengthening our destination marketing efforts,

and their insights and support will be invaluable as we work towards achieving our strategic

Ahmed Nazeer, Secretary General of MATI, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We have always

maintained a close working relationship with MMPRC and we hope that our understanding

today will serve to further solidify and enhance that relationship. Furthermore, it is our wish

that this collaboration can help to bolster MMPRC's Destination Marketing efforts, which are

undoubtedly crucial for increasing our destination's brand appeal and achieving our overall

Under the terms of this MOU, MATI will play an advisory role to MMPRC to aid in the

conceptualisation and formulation of destination marketing strategies, campaigns, and

tactics for the Maldives. Moreover, both parties will cooperate in sharing tourism-related

data compilations, analytical findings and insights.

MMPRC and MATI Sign MOU to Strengthen and Enhance Collaboration

The Maldives has proudly earned the title of the World’s Leading Green Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024. This marks the first time the Maldives has received this esteemed global accolade, triumphing over other renowned destinations such as Chile, Madagascar, Norway, and Peru.

Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), expressed immense pride in the achievement. “This award highlights our dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices,” he said. “We will continue to strive for excellence in preserving our pristine natural environment for generations to come.”

The Maldives’ commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its culture and tourism sector. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, the nation has developed a reputation for promoting eco-conscious travel. By choosing the Maldives, visitors not only experience unparalleled luxury and adventure but also contribute to preserving one of the world's most fragile ecosystems.

In addition to this achievement, the Maldives also secured the title of the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year at the WTA Grand Final Gala in Madeira, Portugal. The Maldives was further honored with the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination, Leading Green Destination, Leading Honeymoon Destination, and Leading Dive Destination titles, cementing its place as a premier global travel destination.

The WTA is recognized as the highest honor in the global travel industry, with winners selected by industry professionals and consumers. These accolades reflect the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to deliver extraordinary experiences to travelers while prioritizing sustainability.

Maldives Recognized as World's Leading Green Destination at World Travel Awards 2024

The Maldives has emerged as a global leader in tourism, securing 9 prestigious awards at the World Travel Awards 2024. Held in Madeira, Portugal, the Grand Final Gala Ceremony celebrated the most exceptional achievements in travel and tourism worldwide, with the Maldives taking center stage.

Among the top honors, the Maldives was named World’s Leading Destination 2024, further cementing its position as a must-visit luxury haven. The nation also received the coveted World’s Leading Green Destination award, underscoring its commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Several Maldivian properties were also recognized for their excellence. Trans Maldivian Airways was awarded World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2024, enhancing the Maldives’ reputation for unique travel experiences. Hulhule Island Hotel won World’s Leading Airport Resort 2024, and JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La was named World’s Leading Boutique Airport Hotel 2024.

The country’s luxury resorts dominated multiple categories, with Vakkaru Maldives being named World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2024, and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort awarded World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024. Velaa Private Island claimed the title of World’s Leading Private Island Resort 2024, while Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa won World’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2024.

These victories showcase the Maldives’ dedication to excellence in hospitality, sustainability, and unique travel experiences. As the country continues to evolve, it reinforces its status as a premier destination for luxury, romance, and eco-conscious travel.

Visit Maldives, the nation’s tourism body, celebrates this recognition as a reflection of the country's ongoing efforts to offer unforgettable experiences and maintain its standing as a top-tier global destination.

Maldives Shines at World Travel Awards 2024 with Nine Prestigious Wins

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, hosted a special event on November 27, 2024, to commemorate two remarkable achievements at the World Travel Awards 2024. Held at Waterfront, Velana International Airport, the celebration honored Maldives’ recognition as the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and the World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time.

The event brought together key figures from the Maldivian tourism sector, including the Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal; MMPRC CEO and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree; and Maldives Airports Company CEO and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed.

Speaking at the event, Ibrahim Shiuree expressed immense pride in these accomplishments. “We were honored to receive these prestigious awards, which reflect our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences and sustainable tourism practices. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our tourism industry stakeholders, who have consistently strived to elevate the Maldives as a world-class destination,” he said.

A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the new ‘Maldives signage’ at Velana International Airport, symbolizing the nation’s achievements and enhancing its global brand presence.

These awards underscore Maldives’ dedication to sustainability and excellence in tourism. By leveraging its recognition as a leading green and global destination, the country aims to further strengthen its position as a premier choice for travelers worldwide. The accolades are expected to significantly contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the Maldivian tourism industry.

With these milestones, Maldives continues to shine as an iconic and sustainable travel destination, inspiring both visitors and stakeholders to protect its pristine natural beauty while delivering unparalleled hospitality.

Maldives Celebrates Prestigious Wins at World Travel Awards 2024

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (Visit Maldives) is showcasing the nation’s luxury travel experiences at the prestigious International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes 2024, held from December 2-5 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

Seven Maldivian companies, including The Nautilus Maldives, JA Manafaru, and Villa Resorts, join Visit Maldives to promote the Maldives as a top luxury destination. The event provides a vital platform for networking, personalized meetings, and educational sessions with luxury travel advisors and brands.

France, the Maldives' 7th largest market, remains a key focus, with over 1.66 million French travelers visiting in 2024. Visit Maldives aims to strengthen its appeal through ongoing initiatives like the Discover Maldives Webinar Series.

The Maldives' global prominence continues to shine, earning titles such as the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth year and World’s Leading Green Destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards. These accolades reaffirm its reputation as a premier destination for luxury and sustainable travel.

MMPRC promotes Maldives’ luxury offerings in ILTM’s flagship show, ILTM Cannes 2024

On December 8th, 2024, the Maldives welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Arriving from Muscat, Oman, this marks the first cruise ship visit to the country since regulatory changes requested by the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).

The arrival of AIDA is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, benefiting businesses across the nation. Restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé stand to gain from the influx of visitors. This surge in tourism will further solidify the Maldives’ status as a premier cruise destination in the region.

The visit also highlights the Maldives' ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and support economic growth. Beyond boosting the local economy, the influx of tourists is anticipated to enhance foreign reserves. AIDA is scheduled to depart on December 9th, 2024, marking a brief but impactful stop in the country.

This milestone comes after the Maldives’ recent recognition as the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and its first win as the World’s Leading Green Destination. The cruise sector’s expansion signals a bright future for the tourism industry.

Maldives Marks First Cruise Ship Arrival Following Regulatory Reforms

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and ADK Hospital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the Maldives’ position as a medical tourism destination. The agreement was formalized on December 12, 2024, at MMPRC Headquarters by MMPRC CEO and MD Ibrahim Shiuree and ADK Managing Director Ahmed Afaal.

Highlighting the initiative’s significance, CEO Shiuree remarked, “The Maldives is synonymous with luxury and leisure. By diversifying into medical tourism, we enhance our global appeal while improving healthcare infrastructure locally.” ADK’s MD Ahmed Afaal echoed this sentiment, stating, “This partnership combines our world-class healthcare and renowned hospitality to attract patients seeking high-quality care, fostering economic growth alongside tourism development.”

The collaboration will promote the Maldives as a hub for premium healthcare services, leveraging its natural beauty and robust hospitality industry. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of diversifying the nation’s tourism offerings to cater to a broader range of travelers.

Details of the collaboration will be unveiled as the project advances, promising to redefine medical tourism in the Maldives and solidify its status as a destination for every traveler’s needs.

MMPRC Signs MOU with ADK to Promote Medical Tourism Offerings of Maldives 

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), together with the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), brought the Maldives’ stunning underwater world into the spotlight at the Diving & Resort Travel Expo (DRT Show) 2024. Held from December 13th to 15th in Hong Kong, the event featured six Maldivian tourism companies showcasing why the Maldives remains a top destination for diving lovers.

Representing the Maldives were Carpe Diem Maldives, Marselia Maldives, Voyages Maldives, Divescape Maldives, Highrise (Floating Asia & Maldives Marine Expo), and Noorani Travels. These companies offered visitors an exciting glimpse into the Maldives’ world-class diving experiences, luxury liveaboards, and captivating marine adventures.

The DRT Show is a leading international platform for diving and marine tourism professionals. For the Maldives, it provided the ideal stage to highlight its latest offerings—from high-end resorts and charming guesthouses to unique underwater experiences—while building valuable relationships with travel professionals and industry partners.

Hong Kong remains a key market for Maldivian tourism, and MMPRC has worked tirelessly this year to keep the Maldives at the forefront. Key achievements include the resumption of direct flights from Hong Kong, targeted webinars for the Chinese market, Fujian-based events, and impactful campaigns on platforms like Red. Collaborations with Fliggy and PADI, along with participation in global events such as ITB China, have further elevated the Maldives’ profile. Digital campaigns on platforms like Weibo and WeChat have also ensured a strong presence among regional travelers.

With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and luxurious travel options, the Maldives continues to inspire divers and travelers worldwide—solidifying its reputation as the ultimate underwater paradise.

MMPRC and NBAM showcase the stunning underwater beauty of the Maldives at the DRT Show 2024.

The Visit Maldives Club (VMC) is set to launch the Burunu Boma Sports Fishing Tournament between April and May 2025. This event, organized by the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), aims to promote sports fishing while highlighting the Maldives as a top global tourism destination.

Scheduled to officially launch tomorrow, 20th December 2025, at 8:00 PM, the tournament targets international fishing enthusiasts and local tourism professionals. It emphasizes sustainable "catch and release" practices, aligning with the Maldives' commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism.

"This is a significant step for sports tourism in the Maldives," said Ahmed Saaif, President of VMC. "We are grateful for the overwhelming industry support and hope this tournament showcases the unique sports fishing opportunities here."

MMPRC CEO Ibrahim Shiuree added, "This event underlines our dedication to sustainable fishing and tourism practices. Having won the title of the World's Leading Green Destination, we aim to attract global attention to our sustainable heritage."

Endorsed by key organizations, including the Ministry of Tourism and Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), the competition offers exciting prizes and recognition for sustainable fishing efforts. By spotlighting the Maldives' pristine waters and long-standing conservation practices, VMC hopes to position the nation as a premier sports tourism hub.

Visit Maldives Club Launches Global Sports Fishing Tournament “Burunu Boma”

The Visit Maldives Club (VMC) officially launched the Maldives' largest sports fishing tournament, "Burunu Boma," on December 20, 2024, at a ceremony held at the Malé Table Tennis Hall. The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam.

This launch signifies a major milestone in promoting sports tourism in the Maldives while underscoring the nation's dedication to sustainable fishing practices. Scheduled to occur between April and May 2025, the Burunu Boma tournament aims to draw international fishing enthusiasts alongside participants from the Maldivian tourism sector. During the event, the tournament's microsite and a digital shield for the winner were also unveiled.

Ahmed Shiyam, the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, highlighted the vital role of the sports fishing community within the Maldives. He described Burunu Boma as the nation’s largest tournament of its kind and revealed that its venue will be the Crossroads Marina—a first for the location. The Minister expressed optimism that the event would boost tourism and attract more sports fishing enthusiasts to the Maldives.

“This is just the beginning,” stated MMPRC CEO and MD Ibrahim Shiuree, outlining a broader vision to diversify Maldivian tourism. He added, “With a series of events leading up to it, Burunu Boma will evolve into a flagship international sports fishing festival. Our goal is to establish the Maldives as a premier destination for sports fishing and secure its place on the global tourism calendar.”

Ahmed Saaif, President of Visit Maldives Club, emphasized the tournament's long-term potential, stating, “This event is designed to take place annually, becoming a cornerstone of the Maldives’ tourism industry.”

The Burunu Boma tournament places a strong emphasis on sustainable fishing through the "catch and release" method, reinforcing the Maldives' commitment to marine conservation. This sustainability-focused approach aligns with the country’s longstanding tourism strategy, which has prioritized environmental protection since the industry's inception.

Visit Maldives Club Officially Launches “Burunu Boma”, Maldives’ Biggest Sports Fishing Tournament 

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) proudly announces a historic milestone in the nation's tourism sector: the arrival of the 2 millionth tourist of 2024. Astrid Dirnegger, an Austrian national, reached the Maldives on the morning of December 26, marking a significant achievement of the annual target set by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This visit marks her third trip to the Maldives, where she will be vacationing with her family at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.

This landmark achievement highlights the continuing growth and success of the Maldives' tourism industry. February 2024 was a record-breaking month, with over 217,394 tourist arrivals, the highest monthly total in the country’s history. The same month also set a new record for daily arrivals, with 10,214 visitors entering the Maldives on February 10.

The CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, expressed his gratitude and pride in the accomplishment. “Welcoming our 2 millionth tourist of 2024 is a source of pride for the nation and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire tourism industry. This milestone is a result of the collaborative efforts of our stakeholders and the industry as a whole. I extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this success,” he stated.

Throughout 2024, the Maldives tourism industry has demonstrated remarkable growth, marked by strategic initiatives and diversification into new markets such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bangladesh. MMPRC has also ventured into emerging segments like sports, film, and medical tourism, reinforcing the Maldives’ appeal as a versatile destination.

Among the year’s standout events was the first-of-its-kind ‘DATA 2024’ conference, the largest data-focused tourism event in Southeast Asia. The conference featured a prestigious lineup of industry leaders and data experts from around the globe. This was followed by the Visit Maldives Tourism Symposium 2024, which brought policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders together to discuss sustainability, diversification, health and safety, and innovative solutions for tourism sector challenges.

In August 2024, the Visit Maldives Club was inaugurated, paving the way for exciting projects such as the ‘Burunu Boma’ sport fishing competition set to launch next year.

The Maldives’ tourism achievements were further celebrated on the global stage. The nation secured its fifth consecutive win as the World’s Leading Destination and was also recognized for the first time as the World’s Leading Green Destination, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

With a strong foundation laid in 2024, MMPRC is poised for an even more remarkable 2025. Plans include the World’s Biggest Giveaway 2025, a year-long global campaign, and the APOS Maldives event. These initiatives will continue to promote the Maldives as the ultimate destination for travelers worldwide, ensuring its status as a leader in the global tourism industry.

As the Maldives celebrates this extraordinary milestone, it remains steadfast in its mission to offer unparalleled experiences and solidify its reputation as the world’s leading vacation destination.

The Maldives Reaches Another Monumental Tourism Milestone With the Arrival of the 2 Millionth Tourist of 2024

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has announced a bold target of $5 billion in tourism receipts for 2025, building on the record-breaking success of 2024. Chairperson Abdulla Ghiyas and CEO Ibrahim Shiuree shared the plans during a press conference at MMPRC headquarters.

In 2024, the Maldives welcomed 2 million tourists, achieving a 15% growth in tourism receipts and an 8% increase in government tax revenues. Extensive marketing campaigns, greater connectivity, and major events like ITB Berlin and ATM Dubai fueled this success. Accolades included being named the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and winning World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time.

Visit Maldives is pivoting to content-driven marketing, emphasizing video campaigns, international partnerships, and targeted initiatives. New projects include the Visit Maldives Shop, Academy, and Content Portal, as well as “Visit Maldives Week” events in key markets like Germany and India. Exciting campaigns, such as “Burunu Boma,” the world’s largest sustainable fishing competition, aim to engage global audiences.

With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, the Maldives is set to redefine its global tourism presence in 2025.

Maldives Aims for $5 Billion in Tourism Receipts in 2025 Following Record-Breaking Year in 2024

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is set to kick off the New Year with the inaugural Maldives Culture and Food Festival. This two-day event, happening at Central Park, Hulhumalé, on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, promises an immersive showcase of Maldivian cuisine, arts, crafts, and entertainment for locals and tourists alike.

Organized in collaboration with key partners, including the Ministry of Tourism, Housing Development Corporation, Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, and several others, the festival offers an array of exciting activities. Visitors can enjoy authentic Maldivian dishes, explore traditional arts and crafts, and experience live cultural performances.

The festivities on New Year’s Eve will kick off at 8:00 PM, highlighted by a spectacular drone show narrating a tourist’s journey across the Maldives. The evening will feature Boduberu drumming, the traditional “Dha Negun” dance, and a dazzling fireworks display at midnight to welcome 2025.

On January 1, 2025, the celebrations resume from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM with food stalls, family-friendly activities like climbing walls, bounce houses, and a Transformers display. Cultural performances and a thrilling Roboman showcase will add to the festive atmosphere.

“This festival is a celebration of the Maldives’ achievements and cultural richness,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO of MMPRC. “We invite everyone to join us in this memorable celebration as we bid farewell to 2024 and embrace the new year.”

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