Male’, Maldives – 8th October 2023 – The prestigious International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM) 2023 began with great fanfare, graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Faisal Naseem, Vice President of the Maldives. The sixth edition of IMTM commenced this morning at 9:00 AM at the Manhattan Business Hotel in Male’.
IMTM is an annual business-to-business (B2B) International Travel and Trade Fair held in the Maldives, providing a global platform that brings together top tour operators, travel agencies, destination management companies, and various other enterprises associated with the tourism industry. The event’s primary objective is to facilitate opportunities and connections within the Maldives Tourism Industry, including Resorts, Hotels, Guesthouses, Liveaboards, Local Travel Agents, and Tour Operators.
The Opening Ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Honorable Vice President of the Maldives, Mr. Faisal Naseem, Honorable Deputy Minister Mr. Naushad Mohmed, His Excellency Vice Admiral (R) Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani, Deputy Pakistan High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad, CEO of Capital Group of Maldives Yoosuf Riffath, First Secretary of the High Commission of India to Maldives, and many more. Government officials, industry representatives, partners of IMTM, media collaborators, and all the International Buyers and Trade Visitors attending the Fair graced the occasion.
The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Ms. Shiuna Khalid, the Managing Director of IMTM. During her address, Ms. Shiuna highlighted the significance of IMTM as a platform addressing the underrepresentation of the Maldives Tourism Industry at international tourism fairs. She emphasized the mission of IMTM to facilitate local tourism industry participation in world-class MICE events. Over the past five years, their efforts have focused on assisting local accommodation providers in expanding their client base and promoting their properties.
Ms. Shiuna Khalid called upon the government to address long-standing regulatory issues affecting local travel agencies and seek solutions to challenges that have persisted in the industry for many years. She also stressed the importance of establishing a convention center to accommodate large-scale events effectively in the Maldives.
IMTM emphasized the significance of unity and collaboration within the tourism industry to promote the Maldives effectively, urging support from government bodies, state-owned enterprises, associations, private sectors, and airlines. A video as a token of appreciation was presented during the ceremony to thank guests, partners, and participants for their valuable contributions to the Fair.
Dr. Naushad Mohamed, Deputy Minister of Tourism, shared his vision for tourism during his address. He discussed the fifth tourism master plan, set to achieve 6 billion by 2027, and highlighted the need for collaboration between the government and the industry to overcome challenges associated with the industry’s rapid expansion. Dr. Naushad stressed the importance of human resource development and the integration of technology to enhance the tourist experience.
Ms. Elizabeth Agboola, CEO of NTT Global Destinations, expressed her delight and honor in being part of the event. She praised the organizers for incorporating the theme of World Tourism Day, focusing on tourism and green investment, into the program. Ms. Agboola highlighted the potential of combining essential travel like Umrah with leisure trips to the Maldives and expressed her commitment to forging strategic alliances.
In his speech, Vice President of the Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Faisal Naseem, extended gratitude to industry partners for their significant role in achieving 1.7 million tourists last year. He emphasized the importance of dialogue in a changing world, particularly involving industry partners in decision-making. He acknowledged the focus on human resource development and commended the collective effort of families, industry, and government in making the Maldives a leading destination.
The two-day event will continue October 8th and 9th, 2023, at the Manhattan Business Hotel, running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. B2B meetings among all attendees will be scheduled throughout the day. IMTM anticipates that the connections established will evolve into prosperous, enduring business relationships, and looks forward to the continued enjoyment of all participants during this year’s Fair.
