Visit Maldives showcases ultra-luxury strategy at ILTM Cannes 2025

Visit Maldives is participating in ILTM Cannes 2025, the world’s most prestigious and influential luxury travel trade show, held from 1–4 December 2025 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. As the flagship global event for luxury travel, ILTM Cannes offers an unparalleled platform for destinations to engage with leading luxury buyers, elite travel designers, and high-end tour operators.

This year’s participation marks one of Visit Maldives Corporation’s most significant milestones, reinforcing the Maldives’ position as the world’s leading ultra-luxury destination. It also showcases the country’s refined strategy aimed at attracting affluent global travellers. For 2026, Visit Maldives is placing strong emphasis on revenue-driven luxury tourism, shifting its focus from volume-based arrivals to high-value, high-yield markets.

At ILTM Cannes, the Maldives stand highlights the country’s hallmark elements of barefoot luxury—private-island retreats, overwater villas, wellness sanctuaries, world-class dining, and award-winning hospitality. Delegates from leading Maldivian properties, including Lily Hotels, The Nautilus Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi, The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection, and Amilla Maldives, are joining Visit Maldives to represent the destination, alongside many others exhibiting independently.

In 2025, Visit Maldives launched a highly successful Superyacht Campaign, positioning the country as one of the world’s most desirable destinations for exclusive yacht itineraries, private charters, and ultra-luxury cruising. Several joint campaigns with leading high-end tour operators further strengthened the Maldives’ reputation within elite travel networks, increasing visibility among affluent travellers seeking privacy and exceptional experiences.

The Maldives’ visibility in global luxury media has also grown through collaborations with renowned publications and award bodies, including Condé Nast Traveler, Wanderlust, Vogue, and the Michelin Key rating system. Numerous Maldivian resorts have appeared across these platforms, reinforcing the destination’s reputation for excellence and elevating its profile among discerning travellers.

Looking ahead, Visit Maldives is developing a dedicated private jet operator strategy for 2026, engaging with premium jet companies, FBOs, and concierge travel networks. The aim is to attract high-net-worth individuals and ultra-high-net-worth travellers, aligning with the corporation’s broader push to expand luxury tourism revenue.

“The Maldives continues to set the bar for luxury travel,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation. “ILTM Cannes is the ultimate platform for global luxury tourism, and our participation reflects our commitment to strengthening our presence among the world’s most discerning travellers. Our strategy is clear: prioritise revenue and high-value markets and elevate the Maldives’ position at the pinnacle of luxury.”

As 2025 draws to a close, the Maldives continues to enjoy global recognition, with Visit Maldives’ luxury-focused initiatives expected to accelerate high-value arrivals and drive revenue growth in 2026.