NHGAM’s ‘I AM Maldives Roadshow’ strengthens tourism ties with Azerbaijan and Georgia

The National Hotels and Guest House Association of Maldives (NHGAM), in collaboration with Visit Maldives and MATATO, successfully concluded the ‘I AM Maldives Roadshow,’ held from December 17th to 20th, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Baku, Azerbaijan. This event represented a significant step toward strengthening tourism ties between the Maldives and these emerging markets.

The roadshow attracted over 300 travel industry professionals across both cities, offering productive B2B networking sessions. Eighteen co-exhibitors from the Maldives, representing various sectors of the tourism industry, participated, facilitating direct business connections and showcasing the Maldives’ diverse tourism offerings.

Abdulla Nasheed, President of NHGAM, highlighted the success of the event, stating that the response in Azerbaijan and Georgia surpassed expectations. He noted the enthusiasm of local travel partners and their strong interest in the Maldives’ community island tourism products, emphasising the potential for market growth in these regions.

Key highlights of the roadshow included presentations on connectivity by Azerbaijan Airlines and Air Arabia, a destination presentation by Visit Maldives, and a showcase of community island tourism products.

More than 40 holiday packages, collectively valued at over $50,000, were sponsored by leading Maldivian hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. These packages, promoting community island tourism, not only generated excitement but also provided winning travel agents with firsthand experience of the Maldives, enabling them to better promote the destination to their clients.

Ahmed Waheed, Vice President of NHGAM, described the roadshow as a strategic market penetration initiative that positions local island tourism at the forefront of the Maldives’ offerings. He emphasised that the initiative creates opportunities for members to diversify their guest demographics by targeting new markets.

The success of the roadshow is expected to establish a strong foundation for increasing tourist arrivals from Azerbaijan and Georgia to the Maldives. The connections made during the event will contribute to diversifying the Maldives’ tourism portfolio, with NHGAM playing a leading role in creating sustainable growth opportunities for hotels and guesthouses across the country.

Plans for future roadshows are already underway, underscoring NHGAM’s commitment to ongoing market development and member support for destination promotion. The association remains dedicated to fostering growth and diversification within community tourism.