The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) successfully partnered with 1000UT to host a dedicated B2B networking event in Budapest, Hungary, on 26th September 2024. The event aimed to bolster the Maldives’ brand presence in Central and Eastern Europe and foster connections with key agents and buyers from the region. Representatives from Robinson Maldives, Kandima Maldives, and Intour Maldives also participated in the event, which took place at UP Hotel Budapest.
A key objective of the event was to provide Hungarian travel agents with deeper insights into the Maldives as a premier destination. Through presentations delivered by the destination partners, participants were introduced to the diverse tourism offerings of the Maldives. Attendees were given the opportunity to experience the destination first-hand, gaining valuable knowledge about the products and services provided by the participating Maldivian properties.
“Together with 1000UT, we were delighted to host this B2B event in Hungary,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC. “The Maldives had seen a steady increase in arrivals from Eastern Europe, and this event highlighted our commitment to further strengthening our relationship with the Hungarian travel trade.”
In addition to networking opportunities, the event featured a mini-workshop, where specific aspects of the Robinson Maldives, Kandima Maldives, and Intour Maldives properties were explored in greater detail. Connectivity options from Budapest to the Maldives were also discussed, with Qatar Airways and Fly Dubai presenting their respective services.
Eastern Europe has emerged as a promising market for Maldivian tourism, with Hungary contributing significantly to this trend. By 31st August 2024, a total of 12,500 tourist arrivals from Hungary were recorded. Visit Maldives is keen to build on this momentum, aiming to further establish the Maldives as a top-of-mind destination in Hungary and across Central and Eastern Europe.
Looking ahead, MMPRC plans to continue its marketing efforts in the region through initiatives like the upcoming CEE Roadshow 2024 and the CEE Discover Maldives Webinar Series, designed to increase awareness and drive further tourism from these markets.
