Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has taken part in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023.

This year, MMPRC took part in the fair with the largest delegation. As such, over 200 partners are representing the Maldives at the ATM fair. The team includes 90 travel and tourism establishments.

ATM 2023 was held from 01 May to 04 May 2023, at the Dubai World Trade Center.

MMPRC joined this event as part of their effort to promote the Maldives in the Middle East. The company notes that this fair provides the opportunities for the Maldives travel trade to connect with the Arabian travel trade, and ultimately increase the arrival figure from the Middle East.

This is the first time that the Maldives is participating in ATM after winning the world's most prestigious tourism industry title of the “World’s Leading Destination” for three consecutive years.

Arabian Travel Market is the leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. For the last thirty years, their annual event has connected products and destinations from around the world with buyers and travel trade visitors. It aims to support the travel industry and facilitate important business connections.

Speaking about the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, Thoyyib Mohamed noted the immense significance of ATM and the vast potential of the Middle Eastern market for the Maldives tourism industry.

He stated that ATM 2023 is the most significant tourism fair in the Middle East, bringing together travel trade professionals, travel enthusiasts, media professionals and more under the same room for four days of networking.

Thoyyib stated that he has no doubt that the industry partners will have fantastic opportunities for networking and collaborations, via this fair.

The Maldives was exhibited in a 429 square meter double-decker stand designed under a new concept that blends modern designs with the local flora and fauna of the Maldives. Taking inspiration from Maldivian Islands, and other aspects of the natural environment that is iconic to the Maldives, the stand consisted of 90 co-exhibitor counters along with 53 B2B meeting tables.

The striking Maldives stand was full of exciting experiences for visitors.

Furthermore, raffle draws were also conducted at the stand where five lucky visitors had the chance to win a free holiday to the Maldives. The raffle draws were sponsored by Seaside Finolhu Baa, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo.

The Maldives' stand was designed to attract as many visitors as possible while showcasing the vibrancy of Maldivian culture, heritage, and character.

Visit Maldives promoted various tourism segments such as luxury, honeymoon, romantic, family, and adventure as well as MICE clientele at this fair.

Visit Maldives’ participation at ATM 2023 provided immense promotional and networking opportunities for the Maldives' tourism industry partners. Co-exhibitors had the opportunity to promote their products and experiences as well as connect with international tourism stakeholders for potential new collaborations.

Ultimately, the Maldives’ presence at ATM 2023 elevated and strengthened the Maldives brand in the Middle Eastern market.

A special ‘Maldives Media Meet’ Press Event was also held on the sidelines of ATM.

The Middle Eastern market has historically been a key source market for the Maldives. Since the reopening of international borders, the Middle East remains a key focus market.

In 2022, a total of 21,127 travelers arrived in the Maldives from the Middle East.

Under the key strategy of maintaining brand visibility to ensure the Maldives remains a top-of-the-mind destination, continuous marketing activities are conducted throughout the year targeting the Middle Eastern market. These include campaigns with leading tourism stakeholders; media familiarization trips; marketing campaigns with major publications and magazines; outdoor advertising campaigns; joint marketing programs with leading airlines; and more.