On April 01, 2021, The island nations marketing and promotions board, Visit Maldives, has launched “My Virtual Maldives”, its very first virtual event management platform.
According to Visit Maldives, the web-based format is equipped with many special features including AI-powered matchmaking, smart Lead Generation, Virtual Booths, Hybrid Engagement & Networking Tools, Real Time Support, Live Video Calls & Text Chat, Secured 1 on 1 Meetings Video Meetings with Screen Share, Networking Lounge (2, 4 or 10 people), Fully branded Auditorium with Live Chat, Poll & Q&A, Unlimited Attendees can attend at any given time, Do business in your Time Zone & Local Language as well as Games & Contests for longer Attendee Engagement.
The platform is designed with highest accessibility and easy navigation, amplifying audience engagement and networking through online events. Hosted events on the platform ranges from virtual exhibitions, roadshows, webinars to trainings and live marketing events targeting the travel trade and consumers alike.
The platform will be heavily personalised with the enchanting setting of the Maldives through 3D graphic designs to enhance the attendees virtual experience. The designs of each section of the platform is inspired by the beauty of the Maldives, highlighting the island nations unique features to the attendees.
For example, the Isles Main Lobby, navigator of the platform, portrays the natural beauty and the unique geographical formation of the scattered islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons. The Barefoot Beach Conference is designed in movie under the star theme which will host webinars, virtual conferences and livestreams. The platform will also allows participants to tour through virtual exhibitions in the over-water villa inspired Sunny side Exhibition Hall. Furthermore, they will be able to attend one-on-one meetings during events in the Underwater Networking Suite mirroring the world-famous underwater dining experience of The Maldives. It will also be the contest area for raffle draws, where attendees can interact virtually during the events. Additionally, there are other functions such as translation services, interactive features for engagement and the support function that assists users navigate through the platform with ease via a chat function.
With the reopening of the international borders, Visit Maldives has conducted several marketing campaigns to promote Maldives as a safe haven for travelers in different markets aiding in the recovery of the island nation’s tourism. Its online campaigns continue to successfully deliver the message of Maldives as one of the safest destinations to travel during this period due to its unique geographic dispersion of islands and stringent safety measures in place. A digital first strategyadapted by Visit Maldives has helped greatly through the virtual world in leaving a mark on the target markets which is reflected today in the tourist arrival numbers.
“Visit Maldives have been utilising traditional as well as creative and innovative platforms and means to market The Maldives. The launch of My Virtual Maldives is a big step forward in marketing the Maldives as a tourist destination. The platform will further the marketing efforts to revitalize Maldives tourism in the face of the pandemic.” read a statement by Visit Maldives.
The first event of the My Virtual Maldives was commenced by a webinar training series conducted to educate the French Travel Trade about the Maldives in French language. Visit Maldives has scheduled additional virtual events targeting the travel trade and consumers in key target markets, promoting the nation to potential visitors. Visit Maldives aims to create additional opportunities for Maldives Tourism Industry partners through participation on the virtual events conducted on the platform.