At the opening of TTM Maldives 2023 yesterday, Thoyyib Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives, delivered an in-depth presentation, retracing the Maldivian tourism industry’s remarkable journey over the past five years.
Before the global pandemic struck, the Maldives had been on a consistent trajectory of growth, marking a significant 1.7 million tourist arrivals in 2019. The pandemic presented unforeseen challenges; however, by 31st July of 2023, the Maldives displayed a resilient comeback, hosting 1 million visitors.
Key to this turnaround has been the strategic efforts by Visit Maldives. Their active participation in international forums, road shows, and campaigns re-emphasised the Maldives as a premier global destination. Collaborations with international entities, strategic digital marketing, and partnerships with travel influencers were among the numerous efforts undertaken to achieve this feat.
This dedication was globally recognised when the World Travel Awards crowned the Maldives as the world’s leading destination in 2021 and 2022 consecutively. In the same breath, the MMPRC, the umbrella body overseeing the Maldivian tourism promotion, clinched the title of the world’s leading tourist board in 2022.
One event, in particular, underscored the innovative approach adopted by Visit Maldives: The Visit Maldives Storytellers Conference 2023, held from 30th May to 2nd June. Not only did this event provide a platform for content creators and travel enthusiasts, but it also resonated deeply in the digital realm, reaching an impressive 110 million individuals on social media. Amplifying this impact, the subsequent campaign engaged a whopping 307 million individuals globally.
As the Maldivian shores beckon travellers from around the globe, the efforts of entities like Visit Maldives and visionaries like Thoyyib assure that the island nation remains a beloved paradise for all.
As the Maldivian shores beckon travellers from around the globe, the efforts of Visit Maldives assure that the island nation remains a beloved paradise for all.
