Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators Showcase at QTM: Unlocking New Markets and Boosting Tourism Growth in the GCC

Published on December 5, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The Maldives is making waves at the Qatar Travel Mart (QTM), as MATATO (Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators) takes charge of showcasing the island paradise to the GCC market. From 24 to 26 November 2025, MATATO, in partnership with Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) and NHGAM (National Hotels and Guest House Association of Maldives), presented a unified front at one of the region’s most significant tourism events. With the GCC becoming a cornerstone market for the Maldives, MATATO’s leadership at QTM underscores the nation’s commitment to tourism diversification and sustainable growth.

The Maldives’ stand at QTM wasn’t just about attracting attention—it was about making a lasting impression and forming strategic alliances to ensure long-term success in Middle Eastern markets. This collaboration aims to elevate the Maldives as not just a luxury getaway but also as an inclusive destination catering to family, wellness, and local island tourism.

Qatar Travel Mart 2025: The Maldives’ Strategic Showcase to Boost GCC Tourism

With Qatar and the broader GCC region continuing to grow as high-value feeder markets, MATATO’s presence at QTM couldn’t have come at a better time. QTM has become the premier platform for business-to-business (B2B) connections, with over 300 exhibitors from 60 countries, and 12,000 visitors expected. The event presents the Maldives as a destination of choice for both luxury and experience-driven travellers from the Middle East.

The Maldives’ participation at QTM 2025 not only boosts its visibility in the GCC region but also strengthens its position as a leading tourism destination. With Middle Eastern countries showing strong growth in tourism spending, the Maldives is seizing the opportunity to position itself as a top destination for luxury stays, wellness retreats, and authentic island experiences.

MATATO, VMC, and NHGAM: A Unified Front for the Maldives

The Maldives’ presence at QTM is the result of a powerful collaboration between MATATO, VMC, and NHGAM—each bringing unique strengths to the table. VMC, the Maldives’ official destination marketing body, anchors the stand with a strong representation of the national “Maldives” brand. Their long-term marketing strategies ensure the country remains a global tourism leader.

MATATO coordinates the trade delegation, ensuring Maldivian businesses have the chance to secure valuable B2B meetings, networking opportunities, and media visibility. Their efforts bring a wide variety of stakeholders to QTM, showcasing everything from luxury resorts to local island guesthouses that reflect the country’s commitment to inclusive tourism.

As the key partner, NHGAM ensures that local guesthouses and community-based tourism are front and center at the stand. With the Fifth Tourism Master Plan emphasizing inclusive growth, NHGAM’s representation aligns with the Maldives’ strategy of spreading tourism benefits to both resort islands and inhabited communities, creating a balanced and sustainable tourism model.

A Strong Line-Up of Co-Exhibitors: Showcasing the Full Spectrum of Maldivian Tourism

The Maldives stand at QTM features over ten co-exhibitors, showcasing a healthy cross-section of the tourism industry. From destination management companies (DMCs) such as Resort Life Travel, Neoscapes Maldives, and Pearl Travel Service, to ultra-luxury brands like Ultra Luxury Maldives, offering bespoke private jet, villa, and yacht experiences tailored to high-net-worth guests, the Maldives is positioning itself as a luxury and experience-driven destination.

Resorts and properties such as Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort are highlighted as perfect options for GCC families and lifestyle travellers seeking a blend of comfort and cultural immersion. With this diverse line-up, the Maldives can cater to all kinds of travellers—from those seeking opulent getaways to those in search of authentic island stays at local guesthouses.

The Growing Significance of the GCC Market for the Maldives

The Middle East, particularly Qatar, continues to be a critical feeder market for the Maldives. Qatar’s outbound market alone is valued at approximately USD 13.5 billion in travel spend annually, and the broader GCC market is projected to reach over USD 81 billion by 2025. QTM provides the perfect stage for the Maldives to showcase its offerings to this lucrative market.

Qatar has seen a 64% increase in tourist arrivals to the Maldives, making it one of the fastest-growing markets for the destination. This rapid growth is largely driven by Qatar Airways, which connects Qatar to the Maldives with direct flights that make it easier for Qatari travellers to visit. As Qatar continues to expand its outbound market, the Maldives is making strategic moves to diversify its tourism base and build stronger ties with GCC countries.

Tourism Growth in the Maldives: More Than Just Luxury Stays

The Maldives has been steadily growing, welcoming over 2 million tourists in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. The GCC market sent more than 80,000 visitors in 2024, a significant portion of the overall tourist arrivals. The continued growth in Middle Eastern arrivals is driven by expanding air routes, increased demand for luxury resorts, and the Maldives’ ability to offer both luxury stays and local island experiences.

The Maldives is also focused on attracting family-oriented travellers and wellness seekers, and QTM 2025 provides an excellent platform for targeting these markets. With luxury travel continuing to rise in the GCC, the Maldives is primed to take advantage of these trends, offering wellness retreats, halal-friendly stays, and private villas to cater to the needs of the region’s high-net-worth visitors.

Aligning with the Maldives’ Fifth Tourism Master Plan: A Vision for Inclusive Growth

The Maldives’ presence at QTM 2025 is fully aligned with the Fifth Tourism Master Plan (2023–2027), which prioritizes market diversification, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The focus on expanding the GCC market and strengthening ties with Middle Eastern travellers fits perfectly with the government’s goal of spreading the benefits of tourism beyond the luxury resorts and into local communities.

The Maldives is diversifying its tourism portfolio by targeting high-value segments, expanding air connectivity, and promoting local-island guesthouses. This multi-pronged approach ensures that the Maldives’ tourism sector is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable, positioning the country for long-term success in the global tourism market.

The Future of Maldives Tourism: A Promising Outlook

MATATO’s leadership at QTM 2025, backed by VMC and NHGAM, sets the stage for even greater growth in the GCC market and beyond. By bringing together destination marketers, resorts, guesthouses, and local tour operators, the Maldives stand at QTM serves as a vibrant hub for the future of Maldivian tourism. The focus on market diversification, community-based tourism, and luxury experiences reflects a vision for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism sector.

With the continued growth in GCC arrivals, the Maldives is poised to become the go-to destination for luxury and authentic travel experiences in the Middle East. MATATO’s leadership and strategic focus on diversifying markets and inclusive growth make the Maldives a tourism powerhouse in the Indian Ocean.

Conclusion: MATATO’s Leadership Shaping the Maldives’ Tourism Future

The Maldives’ strategic presence at QTM 2025, led by MATATO, will ensure the destination continues to thrive in the GCC market and beyond. By embracing diversified offerings, from luxury resorts to local guesthouses, the Maldives is positioned to offer something for every type of traveller. As the tourism sector evolves, MATATO, VMC, and NHGAM are ensuring the Maldives remains at the forefront of the global tourism industry.