The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation conducted a webinar to train travel agents and tour operators from the United States as part of a strategy to promote the destination brand in the relatively untapped North American market.
Dubbed ‘High-End Adventures – The Maldives awaits | USA 2022,’ the first webinar of the year for the U.S was held on 17 May with more than 100 travel trade representatives registered to participate. Key industry partners Yacht Maldives, Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives, and Crossroads Maldives also joined the hour-long session.
In his opening remarks, MMPRC CEO Thoyyib Mohamed acknowledged the important relationship with the U.S travel trade industry, noted the many awards and accolades achieved by Maldives in recent years, and elaborated on the joy of vacationing in the Maldives during the 50th anniversary of tourism in the country.
After an update regarding the latest travel guidelines, the MMPRC made a destination presentation showcasing the beauty of the Maldives and the unique experiences available at the four tourism products (resorts, hotels, guesthouses and safari vessels).
“Sleeping in a bubble tent on the beach, staying at a private water villa and flying in a seaplane were among the many exciting unique experiences promoted,” the MMPRC said. “In addition, the safety provided by the natural socially-distanced unique geography of the Maldives was also highlighted in the video to promote Maldives as a safe haven for travellers in the U.S market.”
The industry partners offered information about the unique products and experiences at their luxury resorts. The webinar concluded with a question and answer session and an exciting raffle holiday giveaway sponsored by Saii Lagoon Maldives. The lucky winner won an all-inclusive five-night stay at the property in Crossroads.
The U.S was one of the top source markets for tourists last year. The Maldives has welcomed 28,947 holidaymakers from the U.S as of 11 May this year. The MMPRC’s push to boost arrivals from America includes joint-marketing campaigns, webinars, participation in major fairs and exhibitions, and hosting familiarisation trips for travel writers and journalists.