Association of Travel Agents (ATA) has teamed up with wholesale travel agent Perfect Destinations to host the first ever travel trade workshop dedicated to the Maldives in South Africa.

In a statement, ATA said the workshop offers the opportunity to showcase, represent, promote and interact with over 300 targeted travel agents and tour operators throughout South Africa. These agents have an established presence in the South African leisure travel market, it added.

“We celebrate the launch of the new direct flight route with Maldivian Airlines from South Africa to the Maldives,” the statement read.

Maldives flagship carrier Maldivian has recently announced ongoing efforts to determine the possibility of starting direct flight operations to South Africa. However, a decision has yet to be made.

While leading Maldives resort operators such as Universal Resorts, Villa Hotels and Resorts, Adaaran Resorts and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru have already confirmed participation in the event organised by ATA and South Africa-based Perfect Destinations, potential participants will get the chance to present themselves and introduce their property to key travel agents from across South Africa in a personal one-on-one workshop and networking sessions.

According to ATA, the workshop will be combined with roadshows to be held in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from September 12-14.

Registration for the event is open till August 26, with USD 2,000 set as the booking fee for ATA members and USD 2,400+ for non-members.

Founded in 2014 by a highly experienced and ambitious group of travel agents, ATA represents the interests of travel agents and tour operators in the Maldives.

South Africa was once a major source market for the Maldives, but it has declined significantly over the years. However, arrivals from South Africa are gaining momentum once again, as the Maldives welcomed 2,975 South African tourists in the first six months of this year — a 52.7 percent increase over the 1,948 in the same period of last year.