Tourism innovation takes centre stage at Maldives’ first DATA Forum 2024

The DATA (Destination Advancement Through Analytics) Forum 2024, a trailblazing event aimed at revolutionising data and intelligence in the travel industry, was held for the first time in the Maldives on October 16, 2024. Organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) in collaboration with E-Tourism Frontiers, an international initiative promoting online tourism in emerging markets, the forum served as a hub for global tourism data experts to share insights on transforming consumer engagement, destination management, and operational efficiency within the travel and tourism sectors.

The event commenced with opening remarks from Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of MMPRC, who extended a warm welcome to participants attending the forum in the Maldives. Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, Chairperson of MMPRC, also addressed the audience, delivering a thought-provoking presentation on “The Importance of Data in the Tourism Sector.” He emphasised how data-driven decision-making is crucial for shaping the future of the travel industry.

“The travel landscape is changing rapidly, and leveraging data has become a necessity for the industry, not just a competitive edge. This forum is dedicated to equipping tourism professionals, businesses, and destinations with the tools and knowledge to enhance consumer engagement, improve management, and boost overall effectiveness,” remarked CEO & MD Shiuree.

The forum attracted some of the world’s foremost tourism data analytics firms, with speakers from organisations such as E-Tourism Frontiers, Tourism Economics Oxford, Union Pay, Meltwater, ForwardKeys, Adara, Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Amadeus, and EmarketingEye. These experts offered valuable insights into global tourism trends and analytics.

Morning sessions featured stimulating presentations, including one by Sarah Mathews, CEO of E-Tourism Frontiers, on the role of data in the travel industry (“Data, Data Everywhere”). Michael Shoory from Tourism Economics Oxford provided an analysis of the global economic outlook, while Hu Binghan of Union Pay discussed the resurgence of Chinese outbound tourism and shifting global spending patterns.

The afternoon sessions delved deeper into predictive analytics and practical applications of data. Olivier Ponti from ForwardKeys shared strategies for predicting traveler behaviour, while Bharat Nagpal from Adara discussed how data can be used to measure success effectively. Calvin Koh from Tripadvisor highlighted the influence of user-generated content on tourism decision-making.

The event underscored the importance of data for tourism destinations like the Maldives to remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry. Real-time insights into global travel trends provided attendees with the tools needed to anticipate future travel patterns, economic shifts, and consumer engagement strategies. The forum also showcased how the tourism sector can adapt by using data to make informed, actionable decisions.

The day concluded with a forward-looking panel on the future of travel and data, sparking discussions on innovation in tourism through data-driven approaches. Attendees were also able to network and explore opportunities for future collaborations.

Hosted at the picturesque Bandos Maldives resort, the venue highlighted the Maldives’ growing reputation as a prime MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination. The scenic surroundings perfectly complemented the event, demonstrating how the Maldives can blend professional events with leisure and natural beauty.

The success of the DATA Forum 2024 was made possible through the support of key sponsors. State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) served as the Gold Sponsor, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) as the Silver Sponsor, with Jalboot as the Transportation Partner and Maagiri Hotel as the official hotel partner. The event was also supported by State Trading Organisation (STO), Maldives Moments, and powered by Dhiraagu as the Digital Partner.

This landmark event set a new benchmark for tourism analytics in the Maldives, equipping industry professionals with essential data-driven insights and tools to advance their businesses. It also paved the way for further collaborations and advancements, ensuring that data continues to play a pivotal role in the growth and success of tourism in the Maldives.