By Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has promoted the breathtaking Sunny Side of Life in Paris, France, at IFTM Top Resa 2023. IFTM Top Resa 2023, one of the top tourism events with over 30,000 visitors, is a multi-purpose trade show covering all travel segments such as business, leisure, & MICE. The B2B event was held from 3rd to 5th October 2023 at Porte de Versailles, Paris.
MMPRC’s participation in this event along with 28 co-exhibitors from the industry aligns with our strategies for the French market, including promoting our unique experiences and segments in order to achieve and exceed pre-pandemic arrival numbers. Throughout this event, MMPRC strengthened the Maldives’ brand in the French market to sustain our position as a top-of-the-mind destination. It also provided a platform for industry partners to showcase their products and services to the French market with excellent networking and potential collaboration opportunities.
The stand activities undertaken at the trade show ranged from digital interactive kiosks that allow easy exploration of Maldives’ tourism products and experiences, along with social media amplification and surveys. Attendees experienced Maldivian tradition and culture by trying out ‘libaas’ and ‘feyli’ props or having a taste of our local delicacies. We also distributed press packs at our stand that provide information on the destination as well as our co-exhibiting partners.
Maldives achieved a total of 48,341 arrivals from France in 2022. France is ranked at 08th place among the top source markets for the Maldives in 2023. As of the end of September 2023, we have welcomed over a total of 37,688 travellers from the market to the Maldives.
MMPRC is consistently strengthening the presence of Maldives in the French market through a 360-degree marketing approach. We conducted a campaign with Vogue and a campaign with Surf Session earlier this year and will participate in upcoming travel trade shows such as ILTM Cannes 2023. These marketing activities ensure the Maldives remains as the most preferred holiday destination in the French market.