The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is participating in the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, held from 5 to 7 November at Excel London. Recognised as one of the world’s most influential travel trade events, WTM offers a dynamic platform for global tourism professionals to network and foster business partnerships. Representing the Maldives at this year’s event is a delegation of 217 industry representatives from 91 partner organisations, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to promoting its tourism sector on the international stage.
The Maldives stand, a 650-square-metre space, has been designed to capture the destination’s unique geographical charm, featuring 75 co-exhibitor counters, 55 B2B meeting tables, and three dedicated industry meeting areas. Visitors can explore Maldivian experiences through interactive elements such as a photo booth and a map where guests can mark the locations they have visited within the Maldives. The stand also includes a traditional Maldivian corner, adding an authentic cultural dimension to the showcase.
MMPRC’s engagement at WTM includes one-on-one sessions with travel trade professionals from the UK and beyond, sharing updates on Maldivian tourism offerings. The focus remains on the Maldives as a safe and secluded holiday destination, a characteristic reinforced by its natural island formations that offer privacy to visitors. The UK continues to be a key market, ranking fourth in tourist arrivals to the Maldives with 125,016 visitors recorded as of September 2024, accounting for an 8.5% market share.
Coinciding with WTM, the ‘Maldives Media Meet’ press conference was held on 5 November, led by MMPRC’s CEO, Mr Ibrahim Shiuree, and attended by esteemed officials, including Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal and Maldives High Commissioner Dr Iruthisham Adam. The conference provided insights into the Maldives’ sustainable tourism initiatives and announced the launch of the ‘World’s Biggest Giveaway’ campaign, aiming to attract more visitors. Additionally, the first day of WTM 2024 featured the launch of ‘Destination Addu,’ showcasing the cultural vibrancy and natural beauty of the Addu region.
Through its presence at WTM London, MMPRC is strengthening its connections with UK-based travel operators and media while highlighting the Maldives’ tourism appeal and sustainable practices. This participation aligns with MMPRC’s broader strategy to sustain growth in visitor numbers and reinforce the Maldives’ position as a preferred holiday destination in the UK market.
