Male’, Maldives, 30th June 2024 – Visit Maldives, in collaboration with Manta Air and key resort partners, successfully concluded the “Explore Maldives” roadshow at the prestigious Shangri-La Bengaluru on June 26th, 2024. Aimed at revitalizing interest among Indian travelers, the event provided an excellent platform for networking between Maldivian resorts and guest houses and Indian travel industry leaders.
The event attracted over 130 agents and media personnel, featuring major hospitality chains from the Maldives, including resorts, guest houses, DMCs, travel agents, tour operators, and MICE travel organizers from India. The participation of prominent Indian travel associations, such as the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Karnataka Chapter and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) Karnataka Chapter, was instrumental in rekindling the interest of Indian tourists in the Maldives.
The full-day event began with an opening address by Mr. Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC). This was followed by presentations from key resort partners and multiple networking sessions, offering invaluable opportunities for engagement between Maldivian resorts and Indian travel professionals. The event also featured numerous raffles and giveaways from esteemed resort partners.
“Manta Air’s regular direct flights between Bengaluru and the Maldives are a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and accessibility, making it easier than ever for Indian tourists to reach our shores,” said Zihuny Rasheed. “Building bridges between our cultures is vital, as India and the Maldives remain close neighbors and good friends.”
The roadshow saw participation from major resort chains, including Universal Resorts, Minor Hotels with NH Collection & AVANI+, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts with Colors of OBLU, Sun Siyam Resorts, Villa Hotels & Resorts, PULSE Hotels & Resorts, AAA Hotels & Resorts, Angsana Velavaru, COMO, RIU Hotels & Resorts, South Palm, and many more. These partners showcased the appeal of the Maldives through captivating presentations and dynamic networking sessions.
Ahmed Maumoon, Deputy CEO of Manta Air, highlighted the benefits of direct flights from Bengaluru to the Maldives. “Our flights provide direct connectivity between Bengaluru and the resorts/guesthouses in Dhaalu Atoll, allowing Indian travelers to enjoy more time holidaying at some of the finest resorts and guesthouses in the Maldives. The roadshow was an unprecedented opportunity to showcase how holidaymakers from India can take advantage of this direct route, reducing travel time and cost by eliminating the need for additional domestic transfers.”
Maumoon added, “With the Maldives offering free visa on arrival for Indian tourists and the ease of connectivity provided by our direct flights, travelers now have the option to hop into the tropical paradise of the Maldives for the weekend, taking advantage of our morning flights on Fridays and Sundays.”
The roadshow represents a significant step in strengthening the tourism bond between India and the Maldives. As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, initiatives like this are crucial for driving sustained growth and enriching the travel experiences of tourists from both countries. The roadshow has undoubtedly helped partner resorts and guesthouses promote the Maldives as a top destination to the Indian market, creating a buzz that is expected to reignite Indian travelers’ interest in vacationing in the Maldives during the upcoming Diwali and Dussehra holidays.
