Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) is proud to announce that we are taking part in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 with MMPRC’s largest delegation to travel to ATM from the Maldives. Together with Visit Maldives, over 200 partners representing 90 travel and tourism establishments are promoting the Maldives at the fair held from 01 to 04 May 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Center.

MMPRC is joining this event as part of the effort to promote the Maldives in the Middle East, provide opportunities for the Maldives travel trade to connect with the Arabian travel trade, and ultimately increase the arrival figure from the Middle East. This is the first time that the Maldives is participating in ATM after winning the world's most prestigious tourism industry title of the “World’s Leading Destination” for three consecutive years.

Arabian Travel Market is the leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. For the last thirty years, their annual event has connected products and destinations from around the world with buyers and travel trade visitors. It aims to support the travel industry and facilitate important business connections.

Speaking about the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of MMPRC, Mr Thoyyib Mohamed noted the immense significance of ATM and the vast potential of the Middle Eastern market for the Maldives tourism industry.

“ATM 2023 is the most significant tourism fair in the Middle East, bringing together travel trade professionals, travel enthusiasts, media professionals and more under the same room for four days of networking. I have no doubt that our industry partners are having fantastic opportunities for networking and collaborations.” CEO & MD Thoyyib Mohamed stated.

The Maldives is exhibited in a 429 sqm double-decker stand designed under a new concept that blends modern designs with the local flora & fauna of the Maldives. Taking inspiration from Maldivian Islands, and other aspects of the natural environment that is iconic to the Maldives, the stand consists of 90 co-exhibitor counters along with 53 B2B meeting tables. The striking Maldives stand is full of exciting experiences for visitors.

Furthermore, raffle draws will also be conducted at the stand where 05 lucky visitors have the chance to win a free holiday to the Maldives. The raffle draws were sponsored by Seaside Finolhu Baa, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. The Maldives stand is designed to attract as many visitors as possible while showcasing the vibrancy of Maldivian culture, heritage, and character.

Visit Maldives is promoting various tourism segments such as luxury, honeymoon, romantic, family, and adventure as well as MICE clientele at this fair. Visit Maldives’ participation at ATM 2023 provides immense promotional and networking opportunities for the Maldives' tourism industry partners. Co-exhibitors have the opportunity to promote their products and experiences as well as connect with international tourism stakeholders for potential new collaborations. Ultimately, the Maldives’ presence at ATM 2023 elevates and strengthens the Maldives brand in the Middle Eastern market. A special ‘Maldives Media Meet’ Press Event was also held on the sidelines of ATM.

The Middle Eastern market has historically been a key source market for the Maldives. Since the reopening of international borders, the Middle East remains a key focus market. In 2022,

a total of 21,127 travellers arrived in the Maldives from the Middle East. Under the key strategy of maintaining brand visibility to ensure the Maldives remains a top-of-the-mind destination, continuous marketing activities are conducted throughout the year targeting the Middle Eastern market. These include campaigns with leading tourism stakeholders; media familiarisation trips; marketing campaigns with major publications and magazines; outdoor advertising campaigns; joint marketing programs with leading airlines; and more.