In the 21st century, the world is taken by mass challenges to survive in all ways possible, economically, socially, and environmentally. In the midst of the global pandemic radically transforming society, the earth itself continues to steadily depreciate.
Being sustainable, is not defined as going ‘zero-waste’. It focuses on minimalism- cutting out needless buys. Reducing consumption in general, allowing consumers to reuse everyday items rather than purchase unnecessarily.
Thus, today’s businesses are under the spotlight like never before. They are widening their focus beyond profit, to consider how they can create value in society and thrive in the future. This in turn shows their respective target audiences and the public itself the importance of being sustainable to protect the earth from further depreciating in nature.
The International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM) plans to do just that, by initiating the practice of sustainability through their marketing campaigns for the IMTM 2020 event. There is a fall in the travel industry with significant declines across demand, occupancy, ADR, and revenue in 2020. This has led firms to freeze their marketing budgets especially on material production related to events. Instead, more companies are opting for sustainable and technologically advanced approaches to appeal the attention of customers. This has been the case for IMTM as well.
The campaign initiated by IMTM aims to go eco-friendly by reusing their previous billboard posters for promotions, rather than causing wastage of materials by creating new posters every year. Not only is this cost- efficient for the business, but recycling such materials cuts down on their carbon footprint- the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by an activity or action.
IMTM aims to convey through their message, Reuse, Revive, Reconnect and Grow, that any materials including disposable plastics, paper or fabrics can be either replaced by more sustainable options or simply recycle and reuse, especially objects that are still good in terms of quality, performance, and appearance.
The marketing campaign is a collaboration between IMTM 2020 and its marketing partner, MID Marketing. MID Marketing is a social media marketing agency, which helps businesses and brands to create meaningful connections with their customers in the digital world. The company build marketing strategies, create omni-channel campaigns, and increase revenue through their data-driven approaches.
IMTM 2020 is the first travel and tourism virtual B2B exhibition in the Maldives, which will be held on 16th and 17th November 2020. IMTM 2020 event strives to provide a platform for international buyers (such as tour operators and travel agents) and local accommodation providers (including Guest houses and liveaboards) to connect much more conveniently to conduct business in a virtual environment. This virtual exhibition is a part of IMTM’s broader plan to gradually reopen the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector of the Maldives to new markets.
