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Maldives Promoted at ITB Asia Virtual 2021

Maldives Promoted at ITB Asia Virtual 2021
Maldives was promoted virtually on Southeast Asia’s largest B2B travel & trade show, ITB Asia 2021 Virtual.

Maldives was promoted virtually on Southeast Asia’s largest B2B travel & trade show, ITB Asia 2021 Virtual. The event was held from 25th to 29th October 2021.

ITB Asia 2021 Virtual, alongside MICE Show Asia 2021 Virtual and Travel Tech Asia 2021 Virtual, provided five days of back-to-back business appointments for co-exhibitors to maximise their networking opportunities via the enhanced virtual meeting platform. Co-exhibitors were provided with an interactive networking profile and five complimentary virtual trade visitor tickets to the event. The event also featured a comprehensive supplier directory, knowledge library and on-demand videos.

Maldives was marketed at the event by Visit Maldives and 15 industry partners. The participation in ITB Asia 2021 Virtual was conducted as part of the strategy to gain momentum and increase tourist arrival numbers from Southeast Asia. It provided a platform for Visit Maldives and the industry partners to connect and network with key stakeholders from the Southeast Asian market, and to inform the travel trade about the latest information regarding the destination. Through this event, Visit Maldives marketed Maldives as a safe haven for travellers from Southeast Asia, emphasizing the geographical advantage of our islands which allows natural social distancing for tourists.

This is Asia’s largest B2B travel trade show, bringing more than 13,000 show attendees. Over 132 countries & territories took part in the five-day virtual event, making it the largest international travel trade show held in the region. Over 3,200 exhibitors and more than 1,250 pre-qualified buyers from the MICE, Corporate, and Leisure segment took part in ITB Asia 2021 Virtual.

The South Asian market has been an important market for the Maldives during the past several years. By 24th October this year, Maldives welcomed 962,490 tourists. However, with borders of important markets in the Southeast Asia region still closed, the region has contributed 1,766 arrivals to this figure. So far this year Visit Maldives has held several activities such as webinars, roadshows, and joint marketing campaigns targeting this market. They have also participated in minor and major fairs and exhibitions held for the travel trade from this market, in order to increase arrivals and brand awareness of the Maldives. Ongoing activities for this market include a Campaign with TripZilla, Digital Campaign with Malaysia Tatler and a Campaign with Travel Weekly Asia.

Future activities planned for this market are Maldives E-Learning Program for Southeast Asia, Halal In Asia B2B Virtual Event, Cabvertising Campaign with MyBump Media and participation at the Malaysia International Dive Exhibition 2021 (MIDE).

Visit Maldives prioritizes holding marketing activities targeting top, new and emerging markets, in order to maintain destination momentum, increase bookings and arrivals and keep Maldives as a top of the mind destination globally.

Feature image by Visit Maldives

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Maldives Signs Partnership with Liverpool FC as Official Tourist Destination

Liverpool FC and Maldives sign Tourism Partnership

The Maldives, renowned for its breathtaking islands and luxurious resorts, has taken a bold step to enhance its global tourism reach through an exciting new partnership with Liverpool Football Club (LFC). Announced by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives), this multi-year agreement designates the Maldives as the official tourist destination partner of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, covering both the men’s and women’s teams. This partnership aims to showcase the Maldives to a vast international audience, thereby driving a surge in high-value tourism to the island nation.

A Global Stage for the Maldives

Liverpool FC engages an audience of over 205 million followers globally, giving Visit Maldives an unparalleled platform to attract potential travelers. By leveraging the club’s influential reach, the Maldives plans to draw an additional 100,000 tourists in 2025, generating over $100 million for the country’s tourism revenue. Additionally, on April 2nd, during a high-profile match against Everton, the Maldives will unveil the partnership, with branding prominently displayed on LED boards at Anfield Stadium, ensuring millions of viewers worldwide see it.

This strategic alliance extends beyond brand visibility at LFC matches. Visit Maldives will place billboards across Europe, targeting affluent travelers in key markets, and secure coverage in LFC’s official publications and digital platforms. With LFC’s TV audience exceeding 211 million per season and 53 million followers on social and digital channels, the Maldives positions itself as a top destination for luxury travelers and football fans alike.

Exclusive Experiences and Sports Tourism

Moreover, this partnership offers the Maldives unique opportunities, including the creation of a Liverpool Academy in the Maldives, further boosting sports tourism. The academy will attract aspiring athletes and football fans, blending their love for the sport with the beauty of the Maldives’ stunning surroundings. In addition, additional fan zones, appearances by LFC legends, and interactive digital campaigns will further engage audiences and drive travel interest.

As a part of this effort, Visit Maldives will incorporate these activations into their global events, fairs, and roadshows, building a cohesive branding presence that emphasizes the Maldives as a luxury destination. The partnership will reach over 397 million people per season, with an expected media value of over $17 million annually, thus delivering a significant return on investment.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond tourism, this partnership reflects a mutual dedication to sustainability. Both LFC and the Maldives commit to protecting the environment, with LFC’s “The Red Way” program promoting sustainability in sports, while Visit Maldives champions ocean conservation and eco-friendly tourism. Since the Maldives faces challenges from rising sea levels and climate change, this collaboration highlights the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the island nation’s unique ecosystem.

Ben Latty, LFC’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the mutual goals of sustainability and unforgettable experiences in this partnership. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives, expresses pride in aligning with Liverpool FC, noting that the collaboration will bring the Maldives closer to millions of passionate football fans and offer them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the “Sunny Side of Life.”

Forging a New Era in Global Tourism

This partnership between Visit Maldives and Liverpool FC marks a significant milestone in the Maldives’ tourism marketing strategy. Not only does it strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier luxury destination, but it also connects with global football fans, inviting them to experience the beauty and tranquility of the islands. Ultimately, by combining world-class tourism with the passion of football, the Maldives aims to capture the hearts of millions, inspiring them to choose the Maldives for their next unforgettable adventure.

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