Male’, Maldives, 7th March 2024 – The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, successfully concluded the exclusive ‘Maldives Media Meet’ press conference during the ITB Berlin 2024 event on March 5th, 2024, at the Hybrid Studio, Hall 5.3, Messe Berlin. This event harmonized with the overarching theme of ITB Berlin 2024, ‘Pioneer the Transition in Travel and Tourism’, by highlighting the Maldives’ pioneering efforts in sustainability, its positioning as a responsible destination, and its role in fostering collaboration within the global travel industry.
Leading the Maldives Media Meet was Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of MMPRC. She was accompanied by Ms. Ayesha Nurain Janah, the Chairperson of the MMPRC Board; Mr. Mohamed Khaleel, the President’s Advisor on Tourism Development; Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal; Ms. Visha Mahir, Executive Board Member of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI); and Mr. Abdul Sameeu Imad, Vice President of the National Hotels & Guesthouse Association of Maldives. The attendees included representatives from prominent travel trade companies, media outlets, and tourism-related organizations.
In her opening remarks at the press conference, Chairperson Ayesha Nurain Janah underscored MMPRC’s commitment to sustaining the Maldives’ tourism brand, stating, “As we embrace the opportunities within guesthouses, hotels, and safari boats, we must also safeguard our inheritance – the world-class brand created and bequeathed by the pioneers and pillars of Maldives tourism. The foresight and toil of preceding generations of pioneers have propelled Maldives tourism onto the global stage, and it is our solemn duty to uphold and perpetuate that invaluable legacy”.
Following her remarks, Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq, CEO & MD of MMPRC, reiterated the government’s commitments to responsible and sustainable tourism development and destination marketing. She emphasized, “We are collaborating closely to introduce initiatives that promote new tourism segments while ensuring our offerings cater to diverse traveler profiles, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic tourism landscape.”
Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, then addressed the audience, stating, “Here in the Maldives, responsible tourism is fundamental to our endeavors. That’s why we recently launched our pioneering eco-tourism framework,” during his session titled “The Future of Maldivian Tourism: Diversification, Sustainability, and Connection.”
Addressing the media at the conference, the President’s Advisor, Mr. Khaleel, outlined the government’s vision for a diversified tourism sector, focusing on enhancing direct flight capacity to northern and central regions. He also highlighted the government’s aim to develop long-term strategies that bridge the gap between the ‘one-island-one-resort’ segment and the local island sector, aiming for a more collaborative and cohesive tourism experience.
Ms. Visha Mahir, Executive Board Member of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), provided insights into the Maldives Tourism Industry Outlook, stating, “We are immensely proud of our journey from humble beginnings to the diverse range of experiences the destination offers today in just 50 years. While the Maldives remains a top destination for couples and honeymooners, we are now embracing a wider range of visitors with our expanded product offerings. However, our commitment to sustainable growth and remaining an aspirational destination for future generations remains unwavering.”
Furthermore, discussing local community tourism, Mr. Abdul Sameeu Imad, Vice President of the National Hotels & Guesthouse Association of Maldives, expressed, “Embarking on a transformative journey in community tourism over the past decade, we have unveiled three hidden gems: Communities, Cultures, and Connections, spread across 200 enchanting local islands nestled within the 26 atolls of the Maldives. This expedition unveils a priceless treasure, offering global visitors an unparalleled experience and showcasing the world’s most beautiful smiles from the communities of the Maldives.”
Before wrapping up the press conference, the speakers engaged in a Q&A session with attendees, addressing inquiries and interacting with media and travel professionals.
One of the media representatives present at the Maldives Media Meet, Mr. Eike Knall from The Radio Group, expressed his appreciation by stating, “A big compliment for your press conference, which was very informative and provided a good outlook on the Maldivian tourism development plans. I was surprised by the number of journalists who attended the press conference yesterday, but the information shared and the panel were truly outstanding.”
The Maldives Media Meet is an annual press conference held at the prestigious ITB Berlin travel trade fair, aimed at strengthening connections with key media figures from Germany and other international markets. The conference highlights the latest information about the Maldives, its innovative products and services, and the experiences that continue to establish the Maldives as the World’s Leading Destination.
