By Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) along with 123 travel and tourism establishments and 253 representatives are showcasing the Sunny Side of Life at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. The fair is being held from 6th to 9th May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
A cornerstone event for 29 years, the Arabian Travel Market has been the premier platform in the Middle East, bringing together travel industry professionals from all corners of the globe to forge connections and explore new business opportunities. Over the four day event, attendees can connect, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives by meeting with leading industry experts and innovative entrepreneurs who are reshaping the travel sector. Aligning with its theme, “Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,” ATM 2024 empowers the global travel and tourism community to harness the power of entrepreneurship, driving innovation, revenue growth, and long-term sustainability. This one-stop-shop fosters golden opportunities and provides an open space for crafting sustainable travel experiences.
MMPRC’s participation in ATM assists in elevating the Maldives’ presence within the Middle Eastern travel sphere. It fosters connections with the Middle Eastern travel trade, ultimately driving tourism growth from this key market. The event facilitates the exchange of the latest Maldivian tourism offerings and fosters one-on-one interactions with regional and global travel partners. This strategic presence not only strengthens the Maldives’ reputation as an ideal destination for luxury travel but also leverages its unique geography to position it as a leader in safe travel destinations. Additionally, ATM 2024 provides a significant platform for our industry partners to showcase their individual products and properties, creating a comprehensive and compelling vision for the Maldivian tourism experience.
The Maldives is exhibited in a 517.5 sqm 4-sides open double decker stand with a unique structure depicting the sun as it transforms into different colours throughout the day. This feature reflects the ever-changing colours of the Maldives’ tropical atmosphere to the stand. Visitors to the Maldives stand at ATM 2024 can expect a multi-faceted experience where they can engage in productive meetings with key travel trade representatives and other strategic partners. MMPRC will also be conducting insightful media interviews directly at the stand, further amplifying the Maldives’ presence within the travel industry. Additionally, a 360-degree video booth will immerse visitors in the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives, transporting them to our island oasis itself. A dedicated cultural performance area will showcase the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of the Maldives, offering a taste of the unique experiences awaiting travellers to the Sunny Side of Life.
Beyond the stand, Visit Maldives has planned several events on the sidelines of ATM 2024 to further enhance the Maldives’ presence at the fair. The “Maldives Media Meet” press conference will also take place on the first day, connecting with leading media representatives from the Middle East and around the globe and providing them with the latest destination updates. Raffle draws will also be conducted at the stand as well as during the press conference where 3 lucky visitors have the chance to win a free holiday to the Maldives at Villa resorts, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Arena Hotels. Moreover, MMPRC is proud to announce that the Maldives has been nominated for 4 categories at the World Travel Awards including Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2024, Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2024, Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2024, and Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2024. Furthermore, several new local travel resources including magazines, visitor guides, and a website will be launched at the event, showcasing the Maldives’ unique beauty and diverse travel offerings to the visitors.
The Middle Eastern market has been a key source market for the Maldives. As of 31st March 2024, a total of 13,974 travellers arrived in the Maldives from the Middle East. To solidify the Maldives’ position as a top travel destination in the Middle East, MMPRC utilises a year-round marketing strategy encompassing a diverse range of initiatives. This includes collaborative campaigns with prominent tourism stakeholders, immersive media familiarisation trips, targeted marketing with leading publications and magazines, strategic outdoor advertising placements, and co-operative marketing programs with key airlines. By strategically engaging with the Middle Eastern market through these diverse marketing activities, MMPRC continues to drive tourism growth and solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading travel destination in the region.