Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and Manta Air have decided to hold a roadshow in Bangalore to strengthen relations between India and Maldives and address the issue of the declining number of tourists visiting Maldives from India.
In an interview with the MMPRC media team, the corporation's new CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiury said the Indian market is one of the fastest growing tourism and key markets for Maldives tourism.
“India is the fastest growing outbound travel market today and it is an important market for Maldives tourism. There is no doubt that this roadshow will provide an opportunity for Maldives tourism partners to promote our tourism," Shiury said.
MMPRC said the purpose of the roadshow, which will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangalore on Wednesday, is aimed at increasing the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives and strengthening ties between the leaders of the Indian travel industry and Maldives tourism industry.
The roadshow will be attended by more than 150 participants including India's largest travel agents and tour operators as well as mainstream media outlets.
Universal Resorts, NH Collection, Sun Siyam Resorts and Villa Hotels and Resorts are participating on behalf of the Maldives tourism industry. In addition to these major companies, various guesthouse operators will also participate in the roadshow.
“The event will play a vital role in further developing the tourism industry and strengthening the relationship with the Indian travel market," Shiury explained.
The Indian market was one of the widely expanding markets over the last five years. However, some Indian travel agencies blacklisted Maldives after three deputy ministers of the Maldives government mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Since then, the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives has declined sharply. From January to April last year, India alone had 73,785 visitors to the Maldives. However, only 42,627 people visited Maldives from India during the same period this year.
