Business
Maldives’ subaquatic adventures showcased at Malaysia International Dive Expo
Maldives and its subaquatic adventures are being advertised at Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2022 by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) and industry partners. The event is being held from 27 – 29 May 2022 at Hall 3, Level 3, World Trade Center, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Welcoming an average of 12,000 visitors annually, of which 90% are dive businesses and professionals, MIDE has evolved over the years into an essential business platform for the dive industry. It is a one-stop-hub for buyers and sellers of the dive and underwater industry, including dive-related equipment, courses, travel, and underwater conservation, as well as boating and water sports. The show is internationally recognised and well received by industry players globally. Underwater experiences are one of the fastest growing segments of tourism in the South East Asia region.
MMPRC is joined at the Maldivian stand at the event by six representatives from four partnered co-exhibitors. MMPRC is representing the destination in this event in order to maintain destination presence and create brand awareness and share the relevant information to the travel trade and potential travellers from Malaysia, Southeast Asia market and beyond. Through this event, MMPRC will specifically target the dive segment, which is a niche market for the destination.
During the event, MMPRC and industry partners are marketing the dive and underwater experiences available in the Maldives to potential dive and underwater sports enthusiasts, informing them of why the destination is the most suitable choice for their next vacation. MMPRC will hold one-on-one meetings with top travel trade members, showcase our tourism products including resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards, and market the unique experiences and services available in the Maldives. MMPRC aims to create meaningful partnerships with the international travel and tourism trade, as this is a perfect opportunity for us to inform them of the latest destination information, travel guidelines and safety measures in place in our facilities. MIDE fair is also organising a series of talks by professionals from the diving and watersports field during the event. On the second day of the fair, popular Maldivian diver, Shafraz Naeem, is scheduled to speak on “Diving in Maldives”.
A special quiz will be conducted during the fair, from which one lucky participant will be selected from all those who answer the quiz questionnaire correctly. This lucky draw will be taken on the last day of the fair and the winner will be awarded a special gift.
Malaysian borders were closed due to covid restriction for most of 2020 and 2021, but are now open for travel. From January to February this year, the Maldives welcomed 1,194 visitors from the Southeast Asian market. MMPRC has conducted several social media/digital campaigns and other activities for countries in the South East Asian market this year, to maintain destination momentum and increase arrivals. This includes campaigns with TripZilla and Travel Weekly Asia and participation in MATTA Fair and Thailand Dive Expo. Ongoing activities for this market include a cabvertising campaign with MyBump Media, marketing campaigns with TripZilla, Apple Vacations, and the Maldives E-Learning Program. Many more activities are in the pipeline for the SEA market for the ongoing year.
As the company responsible for marketing the Maldives as a destination abroad, MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarisation trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.
This year also celebrates an exceptional year to visit the Maldives – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives kicked off earlier last year with plans to conduct new and exciting activities throughout the year.
Maldives on Thursday welcomed the one millionth tourist to visit this year.
The one millionth tourist is a Thai named Sutapa Amonwivat, who arrived from Singapore with her husband and two children. This is her second visit to Maldives.
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the Ministry of Tourism gave a warm welcome to Sutapa at the Velana International Airport (VIA) Thursday afternoon. She was welcomed at the VIA by tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal, MMPRC Managing Director Ibrahim Shiury and senior officials of various relevant agencies.
After welcoming her with traditional offerings, she was presented with various gifts by the ministry, MMPRC, customs, immigration, Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA).
Maldives reached one million tourists in June, three weeks earlier than last year. The number of tourists reached one million on July 16, 2023.
Maldives expects to reach 2 million tourists this year.
Chongqing Airlines on Monday began its inaugural flights to Maldives.
The Chongqing-Male route, scheduled three times a week, is expected to strengthen the bonds between China and the Maldives, opening up exciting new opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange.
The inaugural flight was welcomed upon its arrival at Velana International Airport (VIA) in Maldives, where local officials and tourism representatives expressed their enthusiasm for this new development.
“We warmly welcome our friends from China to our beautiful islands. This new connection strengthens our bonds and opens up new opportunities for tourism,” the tourism ministry said on X.
Maldives currently welcomes four airlines from China, including China Eastern, Beijing Capital Airlines, Xiamen Airlines.
In January, Maldives government urged tourism stakeholders in both Maldives and China to ramp up efforts to restore China’s position as the primary source market for Maldives tourism, a status held before the onset of Covid-19.
China, being the largest source market for Maldives tourism before the pandemic, saw a resumption of tourist arrivals from January 2023 after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. In 2023, the Maldives welcomed 187,118 Chinese tourists, marking a significant recovery in numbers. This year, the Maldives has welcomed the most number of tourists from China, with over 107,940 or 11.5 percent of total arrivals by June 12.
CROSSROADS Maldives has introduced WeChat Pay, widely known as Weixin Pay in China, across its world-class resorts, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. This payment option is made available to enhance the convenience and overall experience for guests from China, making their stay in the Maldives more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Understanding the needs of the diverse guests, CROSSROADS Maldives has integrated WeChat Pay into operations, allowing guests from China to easily and securely conduct transactions using a payment method familiar to them. The introduction of WeChat Pay is a testament to CROSSROADS Maldives’ dedication to enhancing guest satisfaction by offering exceptional experiences at every turn. What is also expected through this initiative is that the guests could benefit from better foreign exchange rates, translating to better savings on their expenditures during their stay.
The option is available for guests in-house conveniently at both resorts as well as across the Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives where a wider variety of unparalleled dining and retail experiences are available for all guests. The day visitors from China will also therefore equally benefit from this new introduction at the Maldives’ premier multi-island integrated leisure destination.
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a vibrant tropical escape that offers unique and locally inspired experiences. The resort features spacious rooms and villas, a variety of dining options, and an array of recreational activities designed to cater to the desires of modern travellers. Guests can escape to the island’s SAiisational natural beauty, enjoy water sports, and indulge in spa treatments, all while relishing the personalised service that defines Hilton’s Curio Collection.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives brings the iconic Hard Rock spirit to the tranquil shores of the Maldives. This family-friendly resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment, featuring music-inspired experiences, live performances, and the brand’s signature amenities. With luxurious accommodations, diverse dining options, and a plethora of activities for all ages, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives ensures an unforgettable holiday experience for every guest.
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