Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Qatar Airways.

MMPRC states that the MOU was signed with the aim of increasing the 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 9th of May 2022, at the Dubai World Trade Center.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, Thoyyib Mohamed signed the MOU on behalf of MMPRC and Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, Thierry Antinori signed the MOU on behalf of Qatar Airways.

MMPRC states that 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.

Speaking at a panel discussion held during the 9th Arab Aviation Summit in Dubai earlier this year, MD of MMPRC, Thoyyib, 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.

Over 35 international airlines are operating flights to the Maldives on a regular basis, including leading Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Etihad Airways, and Gulf Air .

Maldives recently eased travel restrictions imposed on tourists which required presenting negative PCR tests by all travelers. In this regard, from 4th March 2022, tourists visiting Maldives are no longer required to present a Covid-19 PCR negative result upon arrival, if the prescribed doses of vaccine are completed 14 days prior to date of arrival.

The Maldives has also lifted the national public health emergency on 13th March 2022, which was imposed under efforts to control Covid-19 pandemic. Hence the ease of travel restrictions and measures would make it easier for tourists to visit the Maldives.

MMPRC is currently representing the Maldives at ATM 2022, the leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East.