NHGAM launches ‘I AM Maldives’ Roadshow in Warsaw to boost CEE market reach

The National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM), in collaboration with Visit Maldives and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), has launched the I AM Maldives roadshow in Warsaw, advancing efforts to strengthen ties with the Central and Eastern European market.

This event marks the second edition of the I AM Maldives roadshow, following the success of last year’s initiative in Georgia and Azerbaijan. The Warsaw event gathered 26 Maldivian tourism representatives, including resorts, hotels, guesthouses, liveaboards, and travel agents, alongside over 50 Polish travel industry professionals.

Poland currently records the highest number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives from the Central and Eastern European region after Russia, making it a key focus for destination growth. As of the end of September 2025, arrivals from Poland totalled 23,089, followed by 17,779 from the Czech Republic and 13,824 from Romania. Overall, total arrivals to the Maldives reached 1,636,489 during the same period, underscoring the region’s growing contribution to the country’s tourism industry.

“The response from the Polish travel community has been exceptional,” said Abdulla Nasheed, President of NHGAM. “We are witnessing genuine enthusiasm for the authentic Maldivian experience — from community-led tourism on local islands to world-class resort stays. This roadshow provides an opportunity to showcase the diversity of the Maldives while building relationships that support long-term business growth.”

Key segments of the Warsaw event included presentations on community-based tourism, the range of accommodation options across the Maldives, and the strategic role of the CEE region in the nation’s tourism development. Participants engaged in B2B networking sessions, developed new partnerships, and gained valuable insights into Polish traveller preferences and market dynamics.

The I AM Maldives roadshow will continue to Bucharest on 19 November and conclude in Prague on 21 November. Participating partners aim to strengthen their presence in the region and contribute to the Maldives’ target of welcoming 2.3 million visitors in 2025.