Maldives Tourism is looking to attract more holiday-makers from the GCC with a series of planned roadshows within the Gulf region beginning today (August 23).

Running till August 27, the roadshow will see Maldives representatives interact with local agents and public in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Qatar.

The mission will commence in Dubai at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel followed by a conference in Abu Dhabi on August 24 at Crowne Plaza Hotel. The Maldivian delegation will then proceed to Kuwait city on August 26 at JW Marriott Hotel with the roadshow concluding on August 27 in Crowne Plaza Hotel Doha, Qatar.

The GCC market remains as one of the emerging markets for Maldives with a total share of 2.9 per cent - equivalent to 5,576 total tourist arrival in Maldives from January-February – jumping 14.7 per cent compared to same period in 2014. Moreover, Maldives received a total of 37,201 tourists from the Middle East last year - equivalent to a 16 per cent increase compared to 2013.

While Saudi Arabia remains a priority bringing 12,405 visitors to Maldives in 2014, other GCC countries are also emerging as potential expanding markets including UAE with 7,007 visitors and Kuwait with 5,248 visitors. Other Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Jordan are accountable to 10,591 visitors to Maldives.

Heading the delegation, along with 13 participants, is Ibrahim Asim, director of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC). “We are thrilled to commence our promotional series in GCC. The roadshows provide us with perfect opportunity to introduce our product to local agents and also interact with them,” he said.

Participating in the roadshow are some of the known names from the Maldives Tourism Industry including: Adaaran Resorts, Anantara Kihavah, COMOHOTEL, Crown Tours Maldives, Let’s Go Maldives, Loama Resort Maldives, Per Aquam Huvafen Fushi, Reollo Travel, Sun Siyam Resorts, Splendid Asia, Starwood Maldives, Trav Maldives and Villa Hotel & Resorts.

Secluded islands, tropical beaches and a wide array of water sports to choose from makes Maldives an excellent destination for a leisure holiday. The MMPRC also launched the ‘Visit Maldives Year 2016’ earlier this year which focuses on promoting the archipelago as an exclusive travel destination.

In a bid to further promote the islands, Maldives Tourism also opened their promotional office in Dubai this May. – TradeArabia News Service