Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) held a Maldives Media Meet, a highly-anticipated event on the sidelines of WTM London 2023. This exclusive in-person press conference was held at the Media Centre (ME670) within ExCel London, United Kingdom, yesterday.
Led by Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC, sustainability remained a central theme at the core of this event. Thoyyib set the tone with a comprehensive introduction. His speech, later in the event, detailed five years of marketing the Maldives as a destination worldwide. Sustainability remained a significant focus for tourism in the Maldives, and it is actively incorporated into MMPRC’s marketing activities. Over the past five years, the Maldives has made substantial strides in this domain, from the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 to familiarisation trips and press conferences. Thoyyib’s remarks at the media meet aimed to underscore this commitment.
“From 2019 to 2023, the Maldives’ tourism sector underwent a transformative shift,” Thoyyib stated in his speech. “Over these five years, we carried out numerous marketing activities, expanded our social media presence, and embraced sustainability and community-based initiatives. Our transformative approach aligns perfectly with the Maldives Fifth Tourism Master Plan 2023, which is designed to sustainably promote tourism across the entirety of our nation. Our success story not only made the Maldives a more alluring tourist destination but has also earned us recognition and accolades on the global stage.” He further added.
The other panellist at the Maldives Media Meet also shared their insights before taking questions from the attending media. Mr John Rogers, General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll, imparted insights on sustainable tourism and development at their breathtaking property.
A pivotal highlight of the event was the official launch of the “Visit Maldives’ Atolls” segment on the Visit Maldives official website following Thoyyib’s speech. This segment serves as a repository of information, categorised into different accommodation options, gastronomy, cultural experiences, and unique activities, thoughtfully organised by the 26 natural breathtaking atolls forming the Maldives, initiated with Fuvahmulah and Addu to start. The “Visit Maldives’ Atolls” has a dual mission – to present the diverse range of tourism products and experiences available across different Maldivian atolls and to instil a deep desire to explore and experience the rich diversity our nation offers.
The UK market remains a robust source market for the Maldives. The UK holds the fourth top position, representing 8.1% of the market share. As of October 31st, 2023, a total of 122,216 arrivals from the UK have been recorded.
The Maldives Media Meet aimed to establish and fortify connections with the foremost media publications in the United Kingdom. The intent was to foster a closer, more interactive relationship with UK media outlets, offering them access to the latest and most pertinent information about the Maldives. It serves as a significant platform for elevating the Maldives as the premier, sustainable holiday destination for travellers hailing from the UK and potentially boosting arrivals in time for the holiday season.
WTM London is one of the leading global platforms for the travel industry, bringing together industry professionals from around the world to facilitate significant business deals and networking opportunities. MMPRC is showcasing the Sunny Side of Life at this influential event alongside 181 representatives from 92 prominent industry partners in the Maldives tourism sector
