Visit Maldives brings the Maldives to London: highlights from WTM 2024

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) is participating in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, a premier global travel trade event held at Excel London from 5th to 7th November 2024. WTM London is widely recognised as one of the most influential events in travel and tourism, providing a unique platform for the global leisure travel community to network, exchange insights, and foster business growth. This year, the Maldives is represented by a substantial delegation, consisting of 217 representatives from 91 industry partners.

The Maldives is showcased in a spacious 650 sqm single-decker stand designed to capture the destination’s unique geographical features and experiences. The stand includes 75 co-exhibitor counters, 55 B2B meeting tables, three industry meeting areas, and a traditional corner. Visitors also have access to a photo booth and can mark the Maldives locations they have visited on a special map located at the stand.

MMPRC is actively engaging with leading travel trade professionals from the UK and beyond, conducting one-on-one meetings, sharing the latest updates on Maldives tourism products, and offering a platform for stakeholders to promote individual properties. The Maldives aims to reinforce its position as one of the safest and most preferred holiday destinations, highlighting its island formation that naturally supports seclusion and privacy for travellers.

The UK is a strong market for the Maldives, ranking as the fourth top source market with 125,016 tourist arrivals recorded as of September 2024, representing an 8.5% market share. Throughout 2024, MMPRC has actively promoted the Maldives to UK audiences through activities such as the “Discover Maldives” webinar series and several joint promotions with major travel operators.

On 5th November, MMPRC conducted the ‘Maldives Media Meet’ press conference on the sidelines of WTM 2024, where further updates were provided on the Maldives’ sustainable initiatives and its appeal as a preferred holiday destination for UK travellers. The conference also marked the launch of the ‘World’s Biggest Giveaway’ global campaign. The session was led by Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of MMPRC, and included prominent figures such as Ibrahim Faisal, the Honourable Minister of Tourism; Her Excellency Dr. Iruthisham Adam, High Commissioner of the Maldives to the UK; Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, Chairperson of MMPRC; and Hussain Afeef, Maldives Tourism Industry Pioneer and Vice Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI). Panellists, along with Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development, participated in a Q&A session, providing valuable insights in response to questions from the attending media.

Highlights of the first day at WTM 2024 included the launch of Destination Addu at the Maldives stand, celebrating the vibrant local culture and the untouched beauty of Addu.

MMPRC’s participation in WTM London 2024 underscores its commitment to strengthening relationships with key operators and media in the UK market, while promoting the Maldives’ tourism offerings and supporting continued growth in visitor numbers. The event presents a valuable opportunity for the Maldives to showcase its unique offerings, connect with industry professionals, and promote its sustainable tourism initiatives to the UK market.