Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the largest travel fair in the Maldives, has officially concluded its second edition.
Held from April 30 to May 5, the second edition of TTM received tremendous support from industry professionals.
Spanning over a period of six days, this year’s TTM featured a brand new component, the Maldives Supplier Expo, which was targeted towards resort personnel from departments such as procurement, finance, accounts, F&B, and engineering. With 23 suppliers exhibiting during the first of its kind expo, major local and international supply chains participated, along with operational personnel from various tourism establishments including resorts and guesthouses.
Maldives Supplier Expo held during TTM 2018. PHOTO/ MALDIVES GETAWAYS
Local suppliers include Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Al Shaali Marine Maldives, Allied Insurance, Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM), Ooredoo Maldives, Laniakea Tech, Linkserve, M7 Print and State Trading Organisation (STO). Alia Investments, Asia Group, Asters, Astrabon, City Investments, Copier Plus, EVO, Male’ Aerated Water Company (MAWC), Onestop, Rateria Fabrics, Scarlet Maldives, Sea Gear, The Hawks, and VAM & Company also exhibited at the two-day expo.
Maldives Supplier Expo held during TTM 2018. PHOTO/ MALDIVES GETAWAYS
TTM 2018 has been more successful than the first edition held last year, as this year’s show hosted over 400 industry professionals from leading resorts and hotels. More than 4,000 meetings were held at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge in capital Male, where business contracts were negotiated amongst the exhibitors and travel agencies.
“TTM 2018 pre-scheduled meetings which was held from 1st-3rd May was an immensely successful component for all the exhibitors and the travel agents/tour operators from across the globe who participated in this three-day fair,” a statement issued by organiser Maldives Getaways read.
Pre-scheduled meetings of TTM 2018. PHOTO/ MALDIVES GETAWAYS
TTM 2018 kicked off on April 30 with a summit dedicated to tackle the most pressing issues in the world-renowned holiday destination.
While the pre-scheduled meetings took place from May 1-3 at Dharubaaruge, all participants of TTM 2018, including local and international exhibitors and visitors as well as partners, attended the TTM Gala Night hosted by Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort Wednesday evening.
Officials of Maldives Getaways pose for a photo with partners at the gala night of TTM 2018. PHOTO/ MALDIVES GETAWAYS
TTM, which was launched last year by local PR firm Maldives Getaways, aims to facilitate the tourism industry of Maldives to reach the ultimate target of two million tourists per year with over USD 3.5 billion in receipts by the end of 2020.
According to organisers, the third edition of TTM will take place from April 20-22, 2019.
Meanwhile, Maldives Getaways will partner with Sri Lankan authorities to host the first ever Travel Trade Sri Lanka from April 24-26, 2019 in capital Colombo.
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) held its 34th Annual General Meeting at Kurumba Maldives today, with a total of 100 members in attendance.
The day’s events began with a welcome address from the Chairman of MATI, Mr. Mohamed Umar, who also presided over the session. The agenda included an address from the Secretary General, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer, the review and approval of the minutes of the 33rd AGM, the review and adoption of the Annual Report and Financial Reports for 2023, the approval of the 2024 budget, the appointment of auditors for 2024, the welcoming of new members and election of executive board members to the two vacant positions (by-election).
In the member discussion session, the following topics were covered: the Government’s aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2023 and renewable energy generation in the Tourism Industry, new terminal of Velana International Airport and developments, employment challenges, the Industrial Relations Act and trade unions, environmental conservation and the significance of creating and executing efficient management plans for protected areas like the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).
Following the official proceedings, the Minister of Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Faisal and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hon. Mohamed Saeed joined the forum. The Ministers provided remarks and engaged in a Member Q&A session. This session provided members with the chance to directly engage with the Ministers and delve into crucial industry topics. The queries focused on the Economic Outlook, forthcoming development plans and immediate challenges and issues affecting the Tourism Industry.
A video presentation was also showcased that delved into the extensive work undertaken by MATI in 2023. The video also touched upon the Tourism Industry’s performance over the past 5 years, as well as the current and projected human resource capacity of the sector.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing industry challenges and called for greater unison amongst industry stakeholders, ending with an acknowledgement of the promising start to the year in terms of arrivals.
Executive Board Members elected to the 2 vacant positions (by-election):
Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited
Renato De Olivera, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and representative of Marriott International
Join us for the Travel Creators Exchange 2024, taking place on February 1, 2024, at the Hotel Jen in Male’, Maldives.
This dynamic event provides a platform for networking and collaboration among Maldives-based travel creators, fostering connections, idea-sharing, and the establishment of lasting partnerships to expand opportunities and monetise content.
Our lineup of distinguished speakers includes:
Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, will present on “Power of Digital Storytelling: Collaborative Strategies for Destination Promotion.” MMPRC actively markets the Maldives globally, utilising a comprehensive approach that includes travel trade shows, roadshows, digital marketing, and more.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Maldives Resort, brings over 23 years of hospitality industry experience. He will discuss “The Role of Content in Tourism Marketing,” drawing on expertise in revenue, customer service, sales & marketing, and human capital development.
Suresh Dissanayake, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, with nearly two decades of experience, will shed light on “What does a Sales and Marketing Director Do?” He brings extensive luxury hospitality experience and a proven track record in sales, distribution, and marketing.
Vishal Amir Ahmed, a versatile cinematographer and content creator, will explore “Who is a Content Creator.” Currently associated with Various Arts Studio, he specialises in providing multimedia solutions to various clients.
Organised by Maldives Insider, Maldives Virtual Tour, Travel Trade Maldives, and Hotelier Maldives, this collaborative effort aims to empower Maldives-based travel content creators and elevate the Maldives as a premier destination for captivating travel storytelling.
Ana Pušica Kramer, an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, joins Patina Maldives for an exclusive art residency in the now infamous Fari Art Atelier. From January 22 to February 22, 2024, Ana Pušica will grace the shores of the Fari Islands, weaving a vibrant narrative of colour and emotion across her larger than-life canvases.
Her artistry transcends boundaries, melding abstraction and figuration into awe-inspiring masterpieces. Having exhibited globally, from New York to Beijing, Ana’s paintings are a physical, intuitive act rooted in movement. Described as a “beautiful fluorescent thunderstorm,” Ana’s art explores light and colour, capturing the energy of life itself.
The Fari Art Atelier which has previously hosted the likes of Daniel Arsham, Chris Stamp and David Nott, will be transformed into Ana’s studio and gallery showcasing her enthralling artworks—a mesmerising journey through poetry, memory, and the vibrant interplay of colour. Guests at Patina are invited to delve into Ana’s world, where each stroke reveals layers of meaning, evoking sensations of intense lightness and boundless interpretation.
At Patina Maldives, Ana will immerse herself in a month-long residency, inviting the Patina Malidves community or guests and team to witness her artistic fervour firsthand. Guests will have the rare opportunity not only to observe her creative process but also to engage with and create art alongside this luminary.
Experience artistry at its most exclusive
Art Exhibition Experience Ana’s captivating exploration of colour and emotion in her spellbinding artworks displayed at the Fari Atelier.
Art Workshops: Message in a Bottle As part of a collaborative artwork, Ana invites Patina guests to participate in short workshops, actively contributing to the creation of a permanent installation at Patina Maldives.
Open Studio Session Join Ana for an exclusive open studio session, offering guests a behind the-scenes look at her creative process.
Ana Pušica residency package Discover a world where creativity knows no bounds as Ana Pušica, the maestro of contemporary art, transforms Patina Maldives into an immersive canvas of inspiration.
Book now to secure your experience. For more information and reservations, please visit Patina Maldives or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com
