Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) is delighted to announce we have held the highly-anticipated Maldives Media Meet on the sidelines of WTM London 2024. This exclusive in-person press conference was held at the Excel London Hall N1-500, United Kingdom, on 5th November 2024.

The Maldives Media Meet was led by Mr Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of MMPRC. He was joined by Mr Ibrahim Faisal, the Honourable Minister of Tourism; Her Excellency Dr Iruthisham Adam, High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Mr Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, Chairperson of MMPRC; and Mr. Hussain Afeef, Maldives Tourism Industry Pioneer and Vice Chairman of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).

“Going beyond the pristine beaches and clear waters, there are many things that make our island destination truly unique and truly special. The real heart of our islands always has and always will remain the warmth and kindness of our people.” stated CEO & MD Ibrahim Shiuree in his speech.

Following his remarks, Mr Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, Chairperson of MMPRC mentioned that “Our vision at Visit Maldives includes a creative renaissance with many initiatives, where local talent is at the helm, bringing their ideas and dreams to life. Our latest global campaign, the “World’s Biggest Holiday Giveaway,” offers an unprecedented opportunity for travellers to experience 365 days of magic in the Maldives. We believe this will attract new travellers, from new markets, with new dreams.”

Additionally, Her Excellency Dr Iruthisham Adam, High Commissioner of Maldives to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland also stated a few words at the press conference. “As we celebrate 60 years of friendship between the Maldives and the United Kingdom, we are reminded of the strong and enduring bond our two nations share. The Maldives offers British travellers not only the beauty of our islands but also an invitation to experience our rich culture, world-class hospitality, and commitment to sustainable tourism. We welcome you all to discover ‘The Sunny Side of Life’ with us.”

Lastly, the Maldives Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, revealed that “We are committed to providing every visitor with an experience that respects and nurtures our environment. The aim is to ensure that future generations can enjoy this paradise just as we do today.”

The panellists at the Maldives Media Meet, Mr Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development and Mr. Hussain Afeef, Maldives Tourism Industry Pioneer and Vice Chairman of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) also joined the Q & A session, sharing their valuable insights in answer to the questions from the attending media.

A pivotal highlight of the event was the official launch of the new global campaign, “Worlds Biggest Giveaway”. This campaign aims to promote the Maldives as a year-round destination, showcasing our diverse experiences. To generate excitement and global participation, the campaign will feature “52 Weeks of Unforgettable Experiences.” Every week in 2025, a lucky winner will receive a dream vacation to the Maldives, highlighting the destination’s breathtaking beauty and unique offerings. Participants can enter for a chance to win a complimentary holiday, with a new winner announced each week. To promote various segments and experiences, the campaign will feature weekly themes such as luxury, adventure, relaxation, romance, family, and more.

The Maldives Media Meet aimed to strengthen ties with top UK media outlets, providing them with the latest Maldives news and facilitating a more collaborative relationship. This event serves as a crucial platform to promote the Maldives as a leading, sustainable holiday destination for UK travellers, potentially increasing arrivals ahead of the holiday season.

WTM London, a premier global travel industry event, offers multitudes of opportunities for networking and business deals. MMPRC, representing the Maldives, is showcasing the “Sunny Side of Life” alongside 91 representatives from 217 industry companies, highlighting the Maldives’ appeal to UK travellers.