Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) and Qatar Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at increasing inbound air traffic to the Maldives through several joint efforts and individual campaigns. The MOU was signed at the Qatar Airways Stand, on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on May 9, 2022, at the Dubai World Trade Center.
The MOU was signed on behalf of MMPRC by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, Thoyyib Mohamed, and by Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways. As per the agreement, both partners would launch joint promotional and marketing activities in key identified markets, with the overarching objective of increasing inbound air traffic to Maldives. The activities include launching joint B2B and B2C campaigns, organizing familiarization trips for travel partners and media influencers, and working on joint activities with trade partners. The MOU further stipulates aligning on future plans, with both parties assessing and contributing in order to implement the activities within the target markets to promote the Maldives as a travel destination.
Mohamed had previously commented on the vital role aviation plays in the tourism sector, especially in the Maldives. Speaking at a panel discussion held during the 9th Arab Aviation Summit in Dubai earlier this year, he noted that the tourism and the aviation industry should work closely together to overcome challenges. He had also referred to the important role the Middle East plays as a growing source market for the Maldives, as well as the central hub for a large number of tourists.
There are over 35 international airlines operating flights to the Maldives, including leading Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Etihad Airways, and Gulf Air on a regular basis.
Maldives at ILTM Arabia
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) is also marketing the Maldives’ luxury tourism experiences at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Arabia, taking place on the sidelines of ATM 2022. Maldives is participating in this event as part of its marketing strategy for the Middle East focused on establishing Maldives as a top-of-the-mind destination for luxury travelers from this market.
ILTM takes place in a specified zone within ATM 2022 and is an essential sales and marketing opportunity for travel specialists. The show consists of highly curated meetings between the most exclusive and sought-after travel designers and the world’s finest hospitality brands. This provides the opportunity for various parties in the travel trade such as agents and advisors working to cater for the luxury market to come together to create meaningful partnerships. This show specifically targets the ultra-rich markets from the Middle East from Bahrain to Yemen.
Last year, Maldives welcomed 91,413 tourists to the country from the Middle Eastern market with Saudi Arabia ranked as the 7th top market to Maldives. From January to March this year the country has recorded 21,117 arrivals from the Middle East market.
