Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | October 2025 — TThe Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has embarked on a landmark Partnerships Exploration Trip to Saudi Arabia from 5–7 October 2025, with the aim of deepening cooperation, formalizing collaboration, and harnessing the full potential of the Saudi outbound travel market to the Maldives..

The Saudi Outbound Travel Opportunity

Saudi Arabia, with a population of more than 35 million and rapidly expanding air connectivity, represents one of the most promising outbound tourism markets in the region. Economic stability, rising disposable incomes, and evolving travel preferences are driving Saudis to look beyond traditional Gulf leisure

destinations and towards premium global experiences. The Maldives, with its reputation as a luxury

short-haul destination offering exclusivity, privacy, and curated experiences, is perfectly positioned to align with these preferences.

The growth of Middle Eastern tourism to the Maldives has already demonstrated this potential. In 2024 alone, more than 80,000 visitors from the Middle East traveled to the Maldives, making up 4.3 percent of total arrivals. Saudi Arabia has recently emerged among the top ten source markets, with nearly 5,000 stopover arrivals recorded and showing a remarkable growth of over 130 percent year-on-year. These

numbers are a clear indication that Saudi demand for the Maldives is not just symbolic but accelerating at a rapid pace, with significant potential for tourism receipts and wider economic impact across aviation, hospitality, and media sectors.

During this trip, MATATO has engaged in high-level meetings and strategic initiatives to strengthen ties. On 6 October, the delegation met with the Maldives Embassy in Saudi Arabia to align on collaborative promotion efforts, with a Memorandum of Understanding scheduled to be signed on 7 October to

institutionalize cooperation in marketing, stakeholder support, and bilateral outreach. The delegation also met with Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC) to explore partnerships in media and storytelling, aimed at elevating the Maldives brand within Saudi Arabia. In parallel, MATATO is participating in the BTR program, which brings together tour operators, travel agencies, and key industry stakeholders through workshops, networking sessions, and trade discussions, opening new pathways to engage directly with the Saudi travel trade.

Looking forward – MATATO recognizes that turning intent into visitation requires seamless connectivity and product alignment. Coordinated flight packages linking Riyadh to Malé with smooth domestic transfers will play a vital role in increasing Saudi traveler uptake. Tailored offerings such as halal-friendly services,

Arabic-language support, and culturally resonant experiences will also be key. Partnerships with Saudi

media and influencer networks will further amplify the Maldives’ image as a destination that goes beyond the postcard, offering depth, authenticity, and meaningful travel experiences.

This Partnerships Exploration Trip marks a pivotal step in Maldives–Saudi tourism relations. By combining diplomacy, trade, media, and destination branding, MATATO aims to transform Saudi Arabia from an emerging source market into one of the Maldives’ most strategic and high-value partners. With the support of the Maldives Embassy, industry stakeholders, and a shared vision for mutual growth, this journey is not only about attracting more Saudi travelers to the Maldives but also about building enduring connections that will strengthen the long-term partnership between the two nations.