Qatar Airways kick-starts the new year with the announcement of new destinations for 2020. Qatar Airways unveiled 08 new destinations during the opening of Kuwait Aviation Show on 15th January 2020. With the additional destinations, the airline’s operations will expand to 177 destinations across the globe.
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The Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Eight new destinations will be joining our network this year in addition to the recently announced gateways of Santorini, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Oasaka, Japan. With these new routes, our operations will expand to 177 destinations around the world, reinforcing our position as one of the world’s most connected airlines. This ensures we can provide our passengers more options and flexibility when planning their business and leisure travel.”
The new destinations are:
Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan starting on 20th March 2020 with two weekly flights.
Almaty, Kazakhstan starting on 1st April 2020 with two weekly flights and increasing to four weekly flights from 25th May 2020 onwards.
Cebu, Philippines starting on 8th April 2020 with three weekly flights.
Accra, Ghana starting on 15th April 2020 with daily flights.
Trabzon, Turkey starting on 20th May 2020 with five weekly flights.
Lyon, France starting on 23rd June 2020 with five weekly flights.
Luanda, Angola starting on 14th October 2020 with four weekly flights.
Siem Reap, Cambodia starting on 16th November 2020 with five weekly flights.
The multi award-winning airline was named the ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by Skytrax. Furthermore, it is also the only airline to have been awarded the ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title five times, which is recognized as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry.
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.
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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.
Liverpool FC, Liverpool Football Club, maldives, mmprc, Tourist Destination, Visit Maldives
