Male’, Maldives -12th April 2026 – The Maldives is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia with the launch of the ‘I AM Maldives Southeast Asia Roadshow’, a strategic initiative spearheaded by the National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM) in collaboration with Visit Maldives and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO). Set to take place in Hong Kong on April 13 and Kuala Lumpur on April 15, 2026, the roadshow aims to position the Maldives more prominently within two of the region’s most vibrant travel markets.
Bringing together a dynamic delegation of 20 companies and over 50 tourism professionals, the initiative reflects the diversity of the Maldivian travel landscape. From boutique guesthouses and luxury resorts to hotels and travel agencies, participants will showcase the destination’s varied experiences to an audience of more than 120 travel trade representatives, including tour operators, agents, and key decision-makers across both cities.
This focused outreach comes at a time of notable growth from Southeast Asia. Greater China, inclusive of Hong Kong, emerged as the Maldives’ leading source market in 2025, recording over 706,000 arrivals and marking a significant year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, Malaysia demonstrated impressive momentum with a 25.2 percent rise in visitor numbers. The broader Southeast Asian region also contributed to steady growth, reinforcing its importance as a developing market for Maldivian tourism.
NHGAM’s leadership has underscored the importance of re-engaging with these markets through meaningful partnerships. The roadshow is designed not only to promote the Maldives as a premier destination but also to create tangible business opportunities for local tourism operators—particularly those within the guesthouse sector—seeking to expand their international reach.
Industry stakeholders view this initiative as a timely and forward-looking move. By fostering direct connections with travel trade professionals in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, the Maldives is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism growth and market diversification. The roadshow also highlights the destination’s evolving narrative, one that extends beyond luxury resorts to include authentic, community-based experiences on local islands.
More than a promotional tour, the ‘I AM Maldives Southeast Asia Roadshow’ signals a renewed strategic focus on Asia. As NHGAM rolls out an ambitious calendar of international engagements throughout 2026, this initiative marks the beginning of a sustained effort to ensure the Maldives remains a compelling choice for both travel partners and discerning travellers across the region.
