The Maldivian government has announced plans to host a tourism symposium in Addu next year, an initiative aimed at elevating the city’s profile as a prime destination in the Maldives. Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal revealed the plan during a ceremony on Friday, marking the launch of a dedicated brand and website to promote tourism in Addu.
Scheduled to take place in either the first or second quarter of the year, the symposium will be organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). The event is set to attract international tour operators, including representatives from key markets like India and China, along with airlines and popular booking platforms such as Booking.com and Agoda.
Describing the symposium as a significant opportunity for Addu, Minister Faisal emphasised the potential for extensive networking. “This will be a key initiative. We will be able to build a huge network if we are able to hold such a networking session or a one or two-day working session. This will be an important step in developing tourism in Addu,” he stated.
In addition to Addu’s stakeholders, tourism industry representatives from other southern regions, including Fuvahmulah City and islands within GA. and GDh. Atolls, will be invited to participate. Minister Faisal noted the importance of a collaborative approach to tourism development, recognising that success requires coordination across different regions.
The government’s broader vision includes plans for similar symposiums in other areas of the country, a strategy that Minister Faisal said aligns with 2025’s heightened promotional efforts for the Maldives. “The happy news is that next year will see the greatest efforts to promote Maldives to date. We will be able to go forward with the opportunities this will create for the next four years,” he remarked.
The forthcoming symposium is expected to strengthen Addu’s position in the tourism market, fostering partnerships and promoting growth in the southern atolls.
