The DATA (Destination Advancement Through Analytics) Forum 2024, an event focused on advancing data and intelligence in the travel industry, took place in the Maldives for the first time on 16th October 2024 at Bandos Island Resort.
The one-day forum, co-hosted by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and E-Tourism Frontiers, a global initiative to promote online tourism in emerging markets, brought together experts from the tourism data sector to share insights on transforming consumer engagement, destination management, and operational efficiency within the industry.
Ibrahim Shiuree, the CEO & MD of MMPRC, opened the event and Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, the MMPRC Chairperson, delivered an address on ‘The Importance of Data in the Tourism Sector,’ emphasizing how data-driven decisions are shaping the future of the travel industry.
“The travel landscape is rapidly changing, and our ability to leverage data has shifted from a competitive edge to a critical necessity. This forum is designed to equip travel professionals with the knowledge and tools to enhance consumer engagement and management through data,” Giyas said.
The event featured leading tourism data analytics companies such as E-Tourism Frontiers, Tourism Economics Oxford, Union Pay, Meltwater, ForwardKeys, Adara, Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Amadeus, and EmarketingEye. Each speaker offered insights into global tourism trends and data analytics.
Morning sessions included presentations from Sarah Mathews, the CEO of E-Tourism Frontiers, who highlighted the importance of data in modern travel (Data, Data Everywhere). Michael Shoory of Tourism Economics Oxford, discussed the global economic outlook, while Hu Binghan of Union Pay examined Chinese outbound tourism and spending patterns.
Afternoon sessions continued with experts such as Olivier Ponti from ForwardKeys discussing traveler behavior prediction, Bharat Nagpal from Adara exploring success measurement through data, and Calvin Koh from Tripadvisor, emphasising the influence of user-generated content on tourism decisions.
The forum explored how destinations like the Maldives can use data to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry, offering real-time insights to help businesses predict travel trends, economic impacts, and consumer behavior. The event concluded with a panel on the future of data in tourism, highlighting the need for continuous innovation. Attendees were able to network and discuss potential collaborations for the future.
The event demonstrated the Maldives’ potential as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination, blending professional events with relaxation and natural beauty. The success of the forum was supported by key sponsors, including State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) as the Gold Sponsor, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) as the Silver Sponsor, Jalboot as the Transportation Partner, and Maagiri Hotel as the official Hotel Partner. The event also received backing from State Trading Organization (STO), Maldives Moments, and Dhiraagu as the Digital Partner.
The forum set a new benchmark for tourism analytics in the Maldives, providing industry professionals with essential tools and knowledge to channel the power of data for business growth and success. It also laid the groundwork for future collaborations, ensuring that data will remain a driving force behind the continued development of tourism in the Maldives.