Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, the Tourism arm of Maldives Tourism has planned a series of roadshows within the GCC starting from Aug. 23 to Aug. 27. The weeklong mission targets the residents of GCC region and will see Maldives representatives interact with local agents and public in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Qatar. The mission commenced in Dubai at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel followed by a conference in Abu Dhabi at Crowne Plaza Hotel. The Maldivian delegation will then proceed to Kuwait city on Aug. 26 at JW Marriott Hotel with the roadshow concluding on Aug. 27 in Crowne Plaza Hotel Doha, Qatar. Heading the delegation along with 13 participants is Ibrahim Asim, Director of MMPRC. Commenting on the roadshow, Asim said: “We are thrilled to commence our promotional series in GCC. The roadshows provide us with perfect opportunity to introduce our product to local agents and also interact with them.” Participating in the roadshow are some of the known names from the Maldives Tourism Industry including: Adaaran Resorts, Anantara Kihavah, Comohotel, Crown Tours Maldives, Let's Go Maldives, Loama Resort Maldives , Per Aquam Huvafen Fushi, Reollo Travel, Sun Siyam Resorts, Splendid Asia Pvt Ltd, StarWood Maldives, Trav Maldives Pvt Ltd and Villa Hotel & Resorts. Secluded islands, tropical beaches and a wide array of water sports to choose from makes Maldives an excellent destination for a leisure holiday. The MMPRC has also launched the Visit Maldives Year 2016 earlier this year. The Visit Maldives Year 2016 focuses on promoting Maldives as an exclusive travel destination. The official logo unveiling of the Visit Maldives Year 2016 was commenced by his President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in the UNWTO Conference held at Maldives. In a bid to promote Tourism, Maldives Tourism has also opened their promotional office in Dubai this May. The GCC market remains as one of the emerging markets for Maldives with a total share of 2.9% equivalent to 5,576 total tourist arrival in Maldives from January-February 2015 an increase of 14.7% compared to same period in 2014. In 2014, Maldives received a total of 37,201 tourists from the Middle East equivalent to 16% increase compared to 2013. Saudi Arabia remains a priority bringing 12,405 visitors to Maldives in 2014, other GCC countries are also emerging as potential expanding markets including UAE with 7,007 visitors and Kuwait with 5,248 visitors. Other Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Jordan are accountable to 10,591 visitors to Maldives. — SG
