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International Maldives Travel Market 2019 launched

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International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM) 2019 has been launched.

As a B2B travel and trade fair, IMTM brings together leading tour operators, travel agencies, destination management companies and other businesses related to the tourism industry from different parts of the world to explore opportunities and liaise with a major representation of the Maldives tourism industry, including resorts, hotels, guesthouse, liveaboards, local travel agents and tour operators.

IMTM 2019 was officially launched Wednesday evening by the Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr Naushad Mohamed at a ceremony held at Maagiri Hotel in capital Male. The ceremony was attended by government officials, heads of corporations, industry representatives, partners of IMTM and media partners.

The second edition of IMTM is planned to be held from June 22-23, 2019 at Farukolhufushi, Hulhumale, Phase 2. The event aims to host 50 hosted buyers (an increase of 56 per cent) and representative of 25 countries (an increase of 32 per cent), whilst achieving a trade visitor participation target of 300 representatives (an increase of 100 per cent) compared to 2018.

“Unlike the traditional fairs, IMTM used a different approach where international buyers were stationed in meetings booths. The local participants visited them as trade visitors which made it possible for IMTM to make it cost effective for the local trade visitors. Meetings were prescheduled through the online meeting booking portal developed by IMTM in-house technical team,” Hawwa Shiuna Khalid, the Managing Director of IMTM, said.

The first edition of IMTM 2018 was held from June 23-24, 2018 at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort. The inaugural event featured 32 hosted buyers representing 19 countries spread throughout five continents. The event also welcomed 127 trade visitors representing 44 resorts, 42 guesthouses, 21 liveaboards, three hotels, and 13 local travel agents and tour operators.

IMTM team has shared the feedback collected from the participants and hosted buyers after a post event survey conducted.

According to the findings, the main objective of participating in IMTM was to build new contacts, 80 per cent of the participants reported that business meetings conducted at IMTM was “valuable”. Forty per cent of the participants reported conducting 21-20 business meetings during the fair. A total of MVR 2.5 million worth of sales were generated at the two-day fair itself. Seventy-eight per cent of the participants said “yes” to participating in IMTM 2019.

Atlanta Tourism, a hosted buyer from Turkey, stated: For the first time it is a very successful organisation. Setups were traditional and well organised. We saw new properties and some alternatives for the traditional and local island tourism.”

Secret Paradise, a trade visitor, also commented: “I think you did an amazing job and you should be proud of what you achieved, even though there will be learning points and things you will want to do differently. I had more meetings with agents interested in the Maldives in the two days than would have done in two days at ITB/WTM at a very cost-effective rate, even with my overnight stays. I look forward to attending 2019.”

IMTM has also made a Request for Proposal (RFP) to accommodate the 50 hosted buyers that will visit IMTM 2019. The detail regarding the RPF is available from IMTM website and the deadline for RFP submission is January 20, 2019.

Registration for both hosted Buyers and local trade visitors are also open through IMTM website. The finalised list of hosted buyers will be published before May 16, 2019 and the deadline for trade visitor registration is May 23, 2019. Similar to last year, trade visitor fee is USD 250 per person per company.

Events

Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) holds its 34th Annual General Meeting

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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):

  1. Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited
  2. Renato De Olivera, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and representative of Marriott International
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Business

Unlocking power of travel storytelling at Travel Creators Exchange 2024

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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.

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Acclaimed contemporary artist Ana Pušica explores perpetuality and community at Patina Maldives

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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

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