Inside the Maldives’ Bold Presence at WTM London 2024

The Maldives is making a strong impact at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, which runs from November 5 to 7 at Excel London. As one of the world’s largest travel trade events, WTM provides a platform for professionals to connect, share insights, and explore business opportunities. MMPRC is leading the Maldives’ delegation, showcasing the country’s tourism offerings to the global trade.

A Strong Presence at WTM London 2024

This year, the Maldives brings a large team to WTM, with 217 representatives from 91 industry partners. MMPRC has set up a 650 sqm stand to showcase the country’s unique tourism experiences. The stand includes 75 co-exhibitor counters, 55 B2B meeting tables, and three meeting areas. Visitors can mark locations they’ve visited on a special interactive map at the stand.

MMPRC is engaging travel professionals from the UK, a key market for the Maldives. As of September 2024, 125,016 UK visitors accounted for 8.5% of total arrivals. MMPRC highlights the Maldives as a safe and secluded destination, ideal for travelers seeking privacy and natural beauty.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is a central theme at WTM. The Maldives continues to lead in eco-friendly tourism, with initiatives to preserve its delicate marine ecosystems and coral reefs. MMPRC showcases the Maldives’ efforts to maintain its natural beauty through sustainable practices. Eco-friendly resorts and marine conservation programs continue to attract environmentally-conscious travelers.

MMPRC also emphasizes the Maldives’ commitment to sustainability in tourism. The country’s green initiatives resonate with travelers from the UK, where eco-conscious trends are on the rise. This focus helps the Maldives stand out as an attractive destination for responsible tourism.

The ‘World’s Biggest Giveaway’ Campaign

The “World’s Biggest Giveaway” campaign, launched at WTM, offers 52 free holidays for each week of 2025. This year-long initiative aims to engage travelers worldwide, promoting the Maldives’ diverse offerings. The campaign will run through social media contests on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where winners will discover different parts of the Maldives.

Visit Maldives hopes the campaign will attract new visitors, especially as a year-round destination. Each contest will highlight a different aspect of the Maldives, from its beaches to vibrant culture and marine life. The giveaway also focuses on niche tourism segments, such as luxury, romance, and diving.

Addu City’s New Tourism Brand

Addu City unveiled its new tourism brand, “Addu: Beyond the Equator,” at WTM. This rebranding aims to promote Addu as a unique destination, offering a blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. The launch event, attended by Addu City officials and MMPRC representatives, introduced the city’s tourism potential.

Addu is now ready to attract global visitors. Throughout WTM, Addu representatives are meeting with travel agents and tour operators to build partnerships. The city’s rebranding highlights its unique offerings, positioning it as “The Other Side of Maldives.”

New Publications and Strategic Partnerships

At WTM Londong 2024, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) launched Maldives Finder 2025, a comprehensive travel guide. This magazine promotes the Maldives’ rich culture, scenic landscapes, and tourism offerings. It aims to increase the country’s visibility, providing essential information for travelers.

Additionally, Travelution Magazine, the third edition, was also unveiled at WTM. Published by The Travel Guys, this resource helps travel professionals stay updated on the latest tourism developments in the Maldives.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Partnerships

Manta Air has partnered with Kaani Hotels and Resorts to provide luxury seaplane transfers for guests traveling to North Ari Atoll. This partnership ensures seamless transfers, elevating the guest experience. Known for its comfort and reliability, Manta Air enhances the arrival and departure process, showcasing the Maldives’ beauty from the skies.

In addition, Velana International Airport is expanding. A new terminal, set to open in 2025, will accommodate up to 7 million travelers annually. The airport’s growth supports the Maldives’ rising tourism demand.

Looking Ahead

The Maldives’ participation at WTM London 2024 reflects its commitment to growth, sustainability, and innovation. The country is positioning itself as a leading destination for a variety of traveler needs. Campaigns like “World’s Biggest Giveaway” and the rebranding of Addu City aim to attract visitors in 2025 and beyond.

By focusing on sustainability and diversifying tourism offerings, the Maldives is set to remain a top global destination for years to come.

Feature image by Visit Maldives

From June 14 to 18, 2025, the luxury resort in the Maldives, Kuda Villingili will host an exclusive wellness program celebrating Global Wellness Day, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves, nature, and community through the transformative power of water. Rajni Maker, a trailblazer in India’s aqua fitness scene known for her innovative and inclusive water-based workouts, will lead the five-day event.

Aqua fitness expert Rajni Maker brings over 16 years of experience in Pilates, mindful movement, and water-based training to the Maldives, where she will lead guests through a fun and energizing mix of low-impact exercises suited for all fitness levels. Her signature programs, including Aqua Tabata, Kickboxing, Circuits, Pilates, Aerobics, and Zumba, blend science with flow to deliver joyful, joint-friendly workouts that boost overall vitality. Recognized by NATCOM and ATNI for her contributions to the field, Rajni also holds an Aqua Specialisation from the Federation of International Sports Aerobics and Fitness in Singapore.

She shared her excitement about the upcoming program

“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Kuda Villingili. The resort’s serene setting and expansive aquatic spaces offer the ideal canvas for meaningful, water-based wellness experiences. My goal is to help every participant reconnect with their body and mind, while also leaving them with simple, sustainable practices they can continue at home—whether they are just beginning their wellness journey or are seasoned fitness enthusiasts.”

Wellness Experiences Set in Paradise

Kuda Villingili Resort already welcomes wellness lovers with a variety of experiences that promote balance, vitality, and inner peace. Its private island spa features eight treatment villas specializing in holistic therapies with organic, island-inspired ingredients. On top of that, guests who prefer active pursuits will find the Maldives’ largest pool, a cutting-edge gym overlooking the ocean, and a jungle yoga pavilion perfectly positioned for sunrise and sunset practice.

Now, with Global Wellness Day approaching, the resort has pulled together an experience that goes beyond the usual. Throughout the five days, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated lineup of activities designed to nourish both body and soul:

Start with a guided nature walk through the island’s lush landscape, ending with a mindful beachside body scrub using traditional Maldivian ingredients.
Then, wake up your core with sunrise Pilates sessions using the Magic Circle, focusing on strength and flexibility.
After that, join Rajni for high-intensity aqua kickboxing classes—a joint-friendly but seriously energizing cardio workout.
Families can also get moving together during fun and active beach HIIT sessions.
For something playful, join a friendly padel tennis match and compete for wellness-themed prizes.
Later, tap into your creative side with a nature-inspired painting session.
And finally, take time for yourself with a one-on-one wellness consultation with one of the resort’s expert practitioners.

As the schedule flows from movement to mindfulness, the entire program ties beautifully into this year’s Global Wellness Day theme, #ReconnectMagenta. It’s all about slowing down, recharging, and reconnecting, whether that means bonding with loved ones, finding inner calm, or just being present in nature.

About Rajni Maker and Flow & Fit

Rajni Maker is more than just an aqua fitness expert, she’s reshaped the way people in India experience movement in water. Her Flow & Fit program brings her vision of fitness to life: fluid, empowering, and deeply restorative. Not to mention, she blends elements of yoga, functional training, and rehab into every session, creating something that feels both powerful and healing.

With certifications from respected institutions like ACSM, the Pilates Institute of America, and the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy, Rajni backs her passion with real knowledge. What makes her stand out, though, is how she turns fitness into something fun, approachable, and doable—whether you’re brand new or a long-time wellness enthusiast.

You can check out the brochure here

Inside the Maldives’ Bold Presence at WTM London 2024

A Strong Presence at WTM London 2024

Sustainability at the Core

The ‘World’s Biggest Giveaway’ Campaign

Addu City’s New Tourism Brand

New Publications and Strategic Partnerships

Strengthening Infrastructure and Partnerships

Looking Ahead

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