Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) held an exclusive media meet on the morning of 11th May 2023 to inform the local media about the 'Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023'. The event is set to be held from 30th May to 02nd June 2023. The media meet was an opportunity for local journalists to ask questions regarding the conference, and to learn about the selected participants and the unique experiences that await them.

Participants for the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 were selected through a social media competition held between 25th February and 27th March 2023. Visit Maldives called on content creators, bloggers, influencers, journalists, travel writers, and media professionals from around the world to create a unique piece of content showcasing their content creation skills while answering the question “What is your dream vacation in the Maldives?” on their Instagram/Facebook accounts and submit it to the storytellers’ conference website. The 50 winners, representing over 20 different nationalities and ethnicities, were selected by a judging panel. The winners include 3 Maldivians as well. They won invitations to attend the conference, as well as three days and two nights of authentic experiences in eight unique regions of the Maldives.

The Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 is styled under the ‘Redefining MICE’ concept and will be held in a relaxed atmosphere on the beach at Crossroads Maldives. The conference features interesting discussions with renowned international storytellers on relevant and trending topics such as sustainable efforts in tourism. Attendees at the conference can take part in breakout sessions where they can learn about sustainable tourism, Maldivian culture and heritage, Maldives fisheries, and more.

The conference will also feature pop-up stalls showcasing authentic Maldivian products and the skill of the talented local artisans. A gala dinner has been arranged for the storytellers, speakers, and VIP guests at the Crossroads Maldives Beach Club, featuring live music and more.

At the end of the conference, the winners of the social media competition will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty, experiences, and hospitality of the Maldives. Participants can enjoy experiences ranging from snorkelling with mantas and whale sharks to watersports, culinary tours, island-hopping, and even sandbank picnics.

The sideline experiences will be conducted at eight different regions of the Maldives, each with its distinctive features, activities, and experiences: Haa Alif/Haa Dhaal, Raa Atoll, Kaafu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Laamu Atoll, Gnaviyani Atoll and Seenu Atoll. 

Thoyyib Mohamed, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives, expressed his excitement about the conference, revealing that the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 is the fruition of almost a year of active work and even longer in the planning process. “I am grateful to our industry partners and sponsors, and I am excited to see an event of this magnitude held in the Maldives for the first time. This conference will surely be a lucrative opportunity for the nation’s tourism industry. We are eager to showcase the best of what the Maldives has to offer to the world.”

The Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 promises to be an exciting and informative experience for the 50 selected participants and other invited professionals. The conference is angled to promote the Maldives as a destination, while simultaneously promoting the different tourism segments, products, and unique experiences available in the Sunny Side of Life. The sideline experiences will provide a unique opportunity to promote the diversity of the regions of the Maldives while providing opportunities for local tourism SMEs in those regions. The event is set to be a boon to the tourism industry of the Maldives, and Visit Maldives is excited to showcase the natural beauty and hospitality of the Sunny Side of Life to the rest of the world.

* Update on 21st May 2023