Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) is excited to announce our participation in the prestigious World Travel Market London 2023 (WTM London) from November 6th to November 8th, 2023 at ExCel London. MMPRC is showcasing the Sunny Side of Life at this influential event alongside 181 representatives from 92 prominent industry partners in the Maldives tourism sector. The Maldivian delegation at WTM London is led by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of MMPRC, Mr Thoyyib Mohamed. 

WTM London is one of the leading global platforms for the travel industry, bringing together industry professionals from around the world to facilitate significant business deals and networking opportunities. With an extensive global reach and a commitment to creating quality connections, WTM London has been an instrumental annual global event fostering the growth of the tourism sector since 1980. 

Our main objectives at WTM London 2023 include meeting with travel trade professionals from the United Kingdom and global partners, sharing the latest updates about Maldives and its tourism products. We are also conducting in-person one-on-one meetings to fully embrace the many networking opportunities and business interactions at the fair to reinforce our reputation as one of the preferred holiday destinations. 

The Maldives is featured at an expansive 500 sqm double-decker stand at WTM London 2023, designed to showcase the distinctive aspects of our destination: the Maldives’ uniquely beautiful aspects remain front and centre in the design and the images used, reflecting the breathtaking sights and diversity of experiences available to visitors to the Maldives. The stand includes a variety of exciting features, including 91 co-exhibitor counters, 51 B2B meeting tables, two industry meeting areas, and two information counters. The Maldives stand this year also features an exclusive ‘experiential zone’ with a presentation area and an ‘Underwater tunnel’ walkway featuring the mesmerising marine life found in the waters of the Sunny Side of Life. We will also be conducting a special ‘Maldives Press Conference’ on the sidelines of WTM London, on 07th November 2023. 

Visitors to the Maldives stand at this fair can explore a wide range of activities in addition to B2B activities such as destination information and meetings at the designated meeting areas. These include industry presentations by Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Amilla Maldives, Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives, Heritance Aarah Maldives and Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi at the Experiential Zone, which provide co-exhibitors with an opportunity to showcase their unique products and enhance their brand image. Another key focus for MMPRC at WTM London this year is highlighting tourism sustainability efforts from the Maldives. Attendees can "make their mark" in the Maldives by having actual corals planted in their honour. During these presentations, attendees can place their names on a coral frame replica, contributing to the growth of actual corals that will be dedicated to them and receive updates on their growth even after WTM London 2023 as a meaningful contribution to the Maldives' natural beauty. Industry partners from the Maldives taking part in the activity include Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa; Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi; and Seaside Finolhu Baa. 

Additionally, the "Weave your Maldivian Story" activity allows visitors to weave a string, with the end result taking the shape of a unique whale shark, representing their experiences or bucket list items in the Maldives. We’re also conducting Social Media Filter Amplification where visitors can scan a QR code and take pictures with special Maldives filters to share. The traditional corner will showcase the cultural side of life in the Maldives, featuring wearable props such as traditional Maldivian garb 'libaas’ and ‘fattaru' with traditional snacks and ‘malaafaiy' displays and a 360 camera where visitors can capture their best shots and share on social media platforms. 

As of October 5th, 2023, the United Kingdom stands as the fourth top source market for the Maldives, contributing significantly to our thriving tourism sector with a market share of 7.9%. With a total of 109,755 arrivals from the UK, this market continues to play a pivotal role in our industry's success. 

Visit Maldives has been working tirelessly throughout the year to ensure increased arrivals from this traditionally and contemporarily significant market. Successfully executed activities in the UK market include a media partnership campaign with Wanderlust, a joint marketing campaign with Premier Holidays, and participation in the Travel Bulletin Indian Ocean Showcase. We have also previously conducted a branded content campaign with National Geographic Traveller, and have recently completed a Destination Training Session with Emirates Airlines.