On September 26, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), in collaboration with 1000UT, effectively executed a destination-focused B2B collaboration event. In addition to Visit Maldives, six delegates A trio of companies from the Maldives tourism sector took part in the occasion, including Kandima Maldives, Intour Maldives, and Robinson Maldives
The event aimed to enhance the visibility of the Maldives’ brand in the Central and Eastern European markets and to forge connections with potential buyers and brokers in the region. In collaboration with 1000UT, a leading tour company in Hungary since 2001, Visit Maldives gathered 40 Hungarian travel brokers to explore the Maldives as a premier vacation destination.
Hosted at the UP-Hotel Budapest, featured presentations from destination partners. These sessions provided Hungarian tour operators with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ unique offerings, as well as the specific amenities and facilities of the showcased properties, enriching their knowledge of the Maldives’ tourism sector.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of MMPRC, remarked “Together with 1000UT, we were delighted to host this B2B event in Hungary,” he also stated “The Maldives had seen a steady increase in arrivals from Eastern Europe, and this event highlighted our commitment to further strengthening our relationship with the Hungarian travel trade.”
The single-day event was a significant showcase of our distinctive experiences and services, offering participants extensive opportunities to network and discover business prospects with partners in Maldives tourism. The event also tackled the issue of connectivity, featuring presentations by Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways on their flight routes from Budapest to the Maldives. Moreover, a dedicated mini-workshop was held to delve into the details of Robinson Maldives, Kandima Maldives, and Intour Maldives.
The tourism industry of the Maldives holds significant promise within the burgeoning Eastern European market. As of August 31, 2024, there have been 12,500 recorded visitor arrivals from Hungary. Visit Maldives aims to increase tourist numbers from Hungary across various segments, consolidate the Maldives’ reputation as a premier destination, and establish robust connections with potential agents. Through upcoming innovative marketing efforts such as the CEE Discover Maldives Webinar Series and the CEE Roadshow 2024, Visit Maldives is set to enhance the country’s growing attractiveness to travelers from Central and Eastern Europe.