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Tourism Minister Delivers Opening Remarks at Travel Connect Webinar

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Tourism Minister, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has delivered the opening remarks at the Travel Connect webinar on 13th October 2020.

Tourism Minister, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has delivered the opening remarks at the Travel Connect webinar. The webinar held by the High Commission of India focused on further developing closer tourism linkages between Maldives and India.

All panelists highlighted the proximity between India and the Maldives and the air-travel bubble. Furthermore, the Travel Connect webinar focused on talks about travel packages catering to all budgets as well. Minister Mausoom emphasized the importance of the Indian tourist market to the Maldives. Furthermore, the minister has stated the India-Maldives air bubble contributed to the increase of tourist arrivals to the Maldives.

The participants of the Webinar connecting Maldivian and Indian Travel Associations included; Outbound Tour Operators Association of India, Travel Agents Association of India, Indian Association of Tour Operators, The Society for Intensive Travel Excellence, Confederation of Indian Industry, Association of Travel Agents Maldives, Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, and Ministry of Tourism, Maldives.

The Air Bubble initiative between India and Maldives commenced on 25th August 2020. The initiative is also a first for India within this region to boost tourism, enabling a regular path of weekly flights between the two countries. Moreover, flights from Air India and Indigo already started operations to the Maldives from New Delhi and Bangalore. In addition to that, further destinations are to be confirmed as well. This will also aid the anticipated increase of arrivals from the Indian Tourist Market.

Also read: Maldives Launches Marketing Activities Focused on the Indian Market

Based on the arrival figures of 2019, India ranked in the 2nd position of the highest performing markets to the Maldives. Furthermore, India is a key focus market in the recovery of tourism in the Maldives. Likewise, the target is to achieve pre-pandemic growth levels. As per the latest statistics from the Maldives Immigration, the island nation has welcomed over 18,867 arrivals since the border reopening as of 1st October 2020.

Feature image by High Commission of India in 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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