Male’, Maldives, 10th May 2022 – MMPRC and Qatar Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at increasing inbound air traffic to the Maldives through several joint efforts and individual campaigns. The MOU was signed at the Qatar Airways Stand, on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on 9th of May 2022, at the Dubai World Trade Center.
The MOU was signed on behalf of MMPRC by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, and by Mr. Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways. As per the agreement, both partners will launch joint promotional and marketing activities in identified key markets, with the overarching objective of increasing inbound air traffic to Maldives. The activities include launching joint B2B and B2C campaigns, organizing familiarization trips for travel partners and media influencers, and working on joint activities with trade partners. The MOU further stipulates aligning on future plans, with both parties assessing and contributing in order to implement the activities within the target markets to promote the Maldives as a travel destination.
Mr. Thoyyib had previously commented on the vital role aviation plays in the tourism sector, especially in the Maldives. Speaking at a panel discussion held during the 9th Arab Aviation Summit in Dubai earlier this year, he had noted that the tourism and the aviation industry should work closely together to overcome challenges. He had also referred to the important role the Middle East plays as a growing source market for the Maldives, and as a central hub for a large number of tourists.
There are over 35 international airlines operating flights to the Maldives, including leading Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Etihad Airways, and Gulf Air on a regular basis. The Maldives has recently eased travel restrictions imposed on tourists which enforced presenting of negative PCR tests by all travelers. In this regard, from 4th March 2022, tourists visiting Maldives are no longer required to present a Covid-19 PCR negative result upon arrival if the prescribed doses of vaccine are completed 14 days prior to date of arrival. As of 13th March 2022, the Maldives has also lifted the national public health emergency, imposed in response to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ease of travel restrictions and measures would make it easier for tourists to visit the Maldives.
