Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has advertised Maldives and its subaquatic adventures at Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2022.

MIDE 2022 was held from 27th May 2022 to 29th May 2022 at Hall 3, Level 3, World Trade Center, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

MIDE has evolved over the years into an essential business platform for the dive industry. As such, the event welcomes an average of 12,000 visitors annually, of which 90 percent are dive businesses and professionals.

Additionally, It is a one-stop-hub for buyers and sellers of the dive and underwater industry. The dive-related equipment, courses, travel, underwater conservation, as well as boating and water sports related information and products are available in the event. The show is internationally recognized and well received by industry players globally.

Underwater experiences are one of the fastest growing segments of tourism in the South East Asia region.  As such, MMPRC represented Maldives in this event with the aim of maintaining destination presence, create brand awareness, share the relevant information to the travel trade and potential travelers from Malaysia, Southeast Asia market and beyond.

MMPRC was joined at the Maldivian stand at the event by six representatives from four partnered co-exhibitors. MMPRC states that they specifically targeted the dive segment, at the event, as diving is a niche market for Maldives. 

During the event, MMPRC and industry partners marketed the dive and underwater experiences available in the Maldives to potential dive and underwater sports enthusiasts, informing them of why the destination is the most suitable choice for their next vacation.

They also held one-on-one meetings with top travel trade members, showcased Maldives' tourism products including resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards.

Additionally, MMPRC marketed the unique experiences and services available in the Maldives at the event.

MMPRC states that the aim was to create meaningful partnerships with the international travel and tourism trade, as this was a perfect opportunity to inform them of the latest destination information, travel guidelines and safety measures in place in Maldivian facilities.

MIDE fair organized a series of talks by professionals from the diving and watersports field during the event. On the second day of the fair, popular Maldivian diver, Shafraz Naeem, spoke about “Diving in Maldives”. 

Moreover, a special quiz was conducted during the fair, from which one lucky participant was selected from all those who answer the quiz questionnaire correctly. The lucky draw was taken on the last day of the fair and the winner was awarded a special gift. 

Malaysian borders were closed due to Covid-19 restriction for most of 2020 and 2021. However, the country is now open for travel.

MMPRC has conducted several social media or digital campaigns and other activities for countries in the South East Asian market this year, to maintain destination momentum and increase arrivals. This includes campaigns with TripZilla and Travel Weekly Asia as well as participation in MATTA Fair and Thailand Dive Expo.

MMPRC highlights that ongoing activities for this market include a cabvertising campaign with MyBump Media, marketing campaigns with TripZilla, Apple Vacations, and the Maldives E-Learning Program. The corporation also stated that more activities are in the pipeline for the South East Asian market for the ongoing year. 

As the company responsible for marketing the Maldives as a destination abroad, MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarization trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence.

This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travelers from all over the world.