The Maldives is set to strengthen its tourism ties with India through the “Welcome India” roadshow series, a collaborative initiative between the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM). The event, targeting key cities in India, aims to bolster the Maldives’ presence in one of its most significant tourist markets.
Scheduled to include visits to three major Indian cities, the roadshow will feature a delegation led by Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal and Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development. The event will bring together 24 industry partners and is designed as a business-to-business (B2B) platform to foster stronger partnerships and collaboration opportunities within the Indian market.
The initiative comes as the Maldives sees a steady influx of Indian tourists, with over 65,000 arrivals recorded in 2024 so far. This reflects the archipelago’s continued appeal as a prime vacation destination for Indian travellers. Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, highlighted the importance of the Indian market, noting the strategic efforts to maintain and grow these numbers.
The roadshow will focus on showcasing the Maldives’ unique attractions, including its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, guesthouses, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant marine life. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to participate in raffle giveaways sponsored by several Maldivian hospitality brands, offering holiday prizes to lucky winners.
India is a crucial market for the Maldives, contributing significantly to the country’s tourism sector. By June 2024, Indian tourists accounted for 6.2% of total arrivals. To further promote the Maldives in India, several initiatives have been undertaken, including participation in major tourism fairs such as OTM and SATTE earlier this year. The Maldives also hosted Indian social media influencer Niki Mehra on a familiarisation trip in May.
Looking ahead, the Maldives plans to continue its promotional efforts with a campaign featuring celebrity Malaika Arora, organised in collaboration with Globalspa magazine. Additionally, joint marketing plans with travel platforms Cleartrip and Pickyourtrail are expected to enhance the Maldives’ visibility and appeal to Indian tourists.
This roadshow marks a significant step in the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to sustain its reputation as a leading global tourist destination, ensuring that it remains an attractive option for Indian travellers.
