Maldives will be represented as a travel destination at 40 different international fairs, exhibitions and trade shows during the year 2018. Various Destination Marketing Organizations are planning to participate in the marketing and promotion of the destination this year.
The national DMO, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) will be participating in 15 fairs. Meanwhile, other organisations such as Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and Association of Travel Agents (ATA) are also planning to participate in 15 fairs each.
In an interview with Avas, Managing Director of MMPRC Mr Haris Mohamed said that this year will be a very successful year in terms of tourism. With the combined marketing efforts of MMPRC and new resort brands, we will be able to increase international arrivals to the Maldives.
He also highlighted the efforts of Minister of Tourism Mr Moosa Zameer in developing the Maldives tourism sector. In addition, he appreciated the different travel organizations in the Maldives for their works in advertising and promotion of Maldives tourism.
“Government will also be hosting 15 events. So all together (this year) around 43 events will be for marketing and promotion of tourism. This year will be the year when Maldives gains the greatest exposure”, he said.
While numerous efforts are being undertaken for the destination marketing of Maldives, MVR 50 million budget has been fixed by the government for tourism promotion purposes. Additional MVR 50 million is expected to be collected from other sources according to Minister of Tourism Mr Moosa Zameer.
According to tourism statistics, tourist arrivals to the Maldives increased to 1.3 million in 2017 from the 1.2 million that was recorded in 2016.
