Visit Maldives
VISIT MALDIVES (OR Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC)) is mandated to promote all things tourism in the country, marketing the nation as a go-to destination for business travellers and holiday makers alike.
A year on from last talking to the association, we caught up with Thoyyib Mohamed, the organisation’s current Managing Director, who fills us in on recent advancements made and advice for those paying the nation a visit.
Asia Outlook (AsO): What key progress have you made since we last featured Visit Maldives?
Thoyyib Mohamed (TM): Last year our main mission was to promote Maldives in different market segments. We have made successful campaigns and progress in this regard since we last appeared in Asia Outlook. By the end of March 2019, Maldives recorded 482,972 tourists from all over the world which is an increase of 15 percent compared to the same period last year.
AsO: How would you say the Maldives has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?
TM: The resorts and hotels in Maldives are increasingly designed to cater for the business traveller. Hotels aare equipped with the latest technologies technolo to meet their needs. Important Importa diplomatic and business meetings meet happen every day at these hotels hote in Male City. We believe the economic megaprojects of the th country play a key role in opening Maldives as a hub for business. Maldives is a fastdeveloping country with great opportunities o in the travel and hospitality h industry, therefore, the th developmental prospect combined com with the amazing natural natu beauty attracts a lot of business busine travellers every year.
AsO: AsO Why, in your opinion, should someone som visit the Maldives?
TM: Maldives is definitely unlike any other country. The beautiful geographic features, the unique culture and the warm nature of the people are some of the unmistakeable characteristics of our nation. Whether you are looking for a quiet peaceful moment in the sun or you want to stand on a roaring wave, Maldives will definitely meet your expectations.
AsO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?
TM: Each and every atoll in the Maldives has a special and unique feature. It can be a place, tradition or even a food item. In the capital city you can enjoy almost every type of major cuisine from the world. There are unique underwater attractions such as spas, restaurants and rooms in the resorts. Since Maldives is 99 percent sea, the underwater beauty and dive points are also immensely popular among tourists.
AsO: What are the best ways of getting around the country?
TM: We currently have three domestic airlines in the Maldives; the national airline Maldivian and private airlines Manta Airline and Flyme travel to all areas within Maldives. Maldives also have the biggest seaplane fleet in the world, which is operated by Trans Maldivian Airways. Other than air travel, there are convenient public ferry systems and public land transport networks.
AsO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in the Maldives at present? How are you responding to these trends?
TM: After the introduction of the guesthouses, it has quickly become one of the most popular products from Maldives. We are also working to market cultural and experience tourism. Our statistics show an increase in solo travellers and social media travellers, and we are currently focusing to cater to these demographics as well.
AsO: How do you see the Maldives developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?
TM: As tourism is the largest contributor for the economy of our country, the government and the private investors have a mutual interest in the sustainability of the sector. The government is fully committed to expanding the international airport in order to increase arrivals. New resorts are developing, and many projects related to tourism are underway. Together with the Ministry of Tourism of the Maldives, MMPRC will embark on marketing campaigns and target new and emerging markets to increase exposure of the Maldives brand as a business and leisure destination.
AsO: Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?
TM: MMPRC is currently engaging in marketing campaigns on social media and other internet platforms. Recently we signed a contract with Singapore Airlines for a joint campaign to explore and implement activities to promote Maldives. These are just a few of the many activities we have already started this year. We are also partaking in the regular roadshows, FAM trips and international market fairs.
AsO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in the Maldives?
TM: Certainly, we see great potential for Maldives tourism to develop. Our marketing campaigns are not nearly as good as broad as some of our competitors’. Therefore, with the right approaches, we can certainly increase arrivals by a large amount.