MATATO invites tourism industry partners to participate in Saudi Travel Market 2026
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), in association with the Maldives Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with Visit Maldives Corporation as the Official Destination Partner, has announced plans to participate in Saudi Travel Market (STM) 2026 as the official representative of STM for the Maldives. The event is scheduled to take place from 29–31 March 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Travel Market is one of the Kingdom’s leading B2B travel and tourism exhibitions, bringing together key buyers, tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies, airlines, and hospitality stakeholders from Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region. The event serves as a strategic platform for building trade partnerships, strengthening destination visibility, and capitalising on the region’s rapidly growing outbound travel demand.
Recognising Saudi Arabia as a priority growth market for the Maldives, MATATO’s participation initiative aims to provide Maldivian tourism businesses with structured access to the Saudi and GCC travel trade, particularly in the premium, luxury, family, honeymoon, and experiential travel segments.
As outlined in the official circular issued by MATATO, the association will act as the official coordinator for Maldivian participation at STM 2026. MATATO will facilitate registrations, liaise with event organisers, and support participating partners to ensure a unified and professionally represented Maldives presence at the exhibition.
Participation opportunities are open to a wide range of tourism stakeholders, including resorts, hotels and guest houses, liveaboard operators, travel agents, tour operators, and destination management companies. Preferential participation rates have been secured, with an additional 5% discount available for MATATO members and Visit Maldives Corporation members, as detailed in the circular.
MATATO has encouraged interested parties to review the circular and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) within the stipulated deadline to confirm participation and receive further logistical and coordination details.
Speaking on the initiative, MATATO emphasised that Saudi Travel Market 2026 presents a timely opportunity for Maldivian tourism businesses to deepen engagement with one of the region’s most dynamic outbound markets and to establish long-term trade relationships that support sustainable destination growth.
