The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) participated in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, held from 1 to 4 May at the Dubai World Trade Center. Over 200 partners representing 90 travel and tourism establishments promoted the Maldives at the fair.
The Arabian Travel Market is the leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. For the last 30 years, the annual event has connected products and destinations from around the world with buyers and travel trade visitors.
“ATM 2023 is the most significant tourism fair in the Middle East, bringing together travel trade professionals, travel enthusiasts and media professionals and more under the same room for 4 days of networking. I have no doubt that our industry partners are having fantastic opportunities for networking and collaborations,” said Thoyyib Mohamed, the CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC.
The Maldives exhibited in a 429 sqm 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 the natural environment that is iconic to the Maldives, the stand featured 90 co-exhibitor counters and 53 B2B meeting tables.
Raffle draws were conducted where 5 lucky visitors won a free holiday to the Maldives. The raffle draws were sponsored by Seaside Finolhu Baa, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo.
A special ‘Maldives Media Meet’ Press Event was also held on the sidelines of the fair.
The press conference was attended by over 50 key middle eastern and international media professionals.
led by Thoyyib Mohamed, the press conference began with a short introduction about the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023.
The opening remarks were made by Aminath Shabeena, Ambassador of the Republic of the Maldives to UAE, who spoke about the long-standing diplomatic ties between the Maldives and the UAE, and its corresponding impact and significance to tourism.
Greg Holder, the Base Leader of the Maldives Underwater Initiative spoke about the importance of sustainability in the tourism landscape.
Thoyyib highlighted the latest developments and updates of the Maldives tourism sector as the World’s Leading Destination for the last three years. The press conference ended with speakers answering questions from the attendees, followed by the selection of the five lucky winners who won invitations to the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023.
“Visit Maldives’ participation at ATM 2023 provides immense promotional and networking opportunities for the Maldives’ tourism industry partners. Co-exhibitors have 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 elevates and strengthens the Maldives brand in the Middle Eastern market,” the MMPRC said.
The Middle Eastern market has been a key source market to the Maldives. Since the re-opening of international borders, the Middle East remains a key focus market. In 2022, the Maldives received 21,127 visitors from the Middle East.
To maintain brand visibility to ensure the Maldives remains a top-of-the-mind destination, the MMPRC has been conducting marketing activities throughout the year targeting the Middle Eastern market, including campaigns with leading tourism stakeholders, media familiarisation trips, outdoor advertising campaigns, as well as marketing campaigns with major publications and magazines, and joint marketing programs with leading airlines.
