MATATO leads joint roadshow in India to strengthen market

The Maldives Association and Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has announced a joint roadshow in India, to strengthen arrivals from the top source market from 2020 until 2023.

MATATO is joined in the latest destination promotion initiative by the National Hotels & Guest House Association of Maldives (NHGAM) together with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).

The cross-country roadshow in India is scheduled at three major Indian cities; Bangalore on July 22, Mumbai on July 24, and New Delhi on July 26.

The stratetic initiative, MATATO said, aims to strengthen the Maldives' presence in the Indian market, one of the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets in the world.

The roadshow in the most prominent and busiest Indian cities will showcase the unique offerings of the Maldivian tourism industry, including its pristine beaches, beautiful tourist properties, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage.

MATATO promises the roadshow will feature presentations by key representatives from the tourism industry, highlighting;

• The latest tourism developments
• Travel packages
• Exclusive deals tailored for Indian travelers

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Maldivian travel industry stakeholders, including resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, as well as hotel operators, tour companies, and airline representatives.

India remains a key market for the Maldives, while the roadshow will servce as an excellent platform to engage with the partners in India.

Besides this, the roadshow will supported by the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) - India's premier travel trade body, which represents over 1,800 tour operators across India.

From 2020 to 2023, India remained the top source market to the Maldives dethroning stronger source markets such as China and Russia.

However, arrivals from India dwindled in light of the 'India Out' campaign launched during the incumbent government's tenure as the country's primary opposition, but more notably after three Maldivian deputy ministers made disparaging social media comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tensions between Male' and Delhi appear to have dissipated following recent visits by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, on a diplomatic visit, and later by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Modi.

Despite efforts made by the two governments to mend fences, there are still a few who claim they will be unrelenting in their 'Boycott Maldives' movements.