Thursday, December 21, 2023
Today, the Maldives joyously welcomed its 1.8 millionth tourist for the year 2023, achieving the anticipated arrival target. In celebration, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), known as Visit Maldives, orchestrated a lively ceremony marking this significant milestone. The extraordinary moment was reached on December 20, 2023, with the arrival of Mr. Stefan Mathijs Hermans, a Dutch citizen, aboard flight EK652 from Dubai, UAE. Mr. Hermans, accompanied by his wife and two children, is embarking on his maiden journey to the Maldives for a family vacation. This year stands as a historic first for the Maldives, surpassing the 1.8 million tourist mark, marking the highest number of arrivals to date.
The commemorative event took place at Velana International Airport, graced by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs Service. The Minister of Tourism, Honourable Ibrahim Faisal, was present alongside Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq, CEO & MD of MMPRC, Mr. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO & MD of MACL, Ms. Fathimath Majidha Hassan from Maldives Immigration, and Mr. Mahmood Riyaz, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, all joining to celebrate this landmark achievement.
Expressing immense pride in this accomplishment, Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq, CEO & MD of MMPRC, reiterated the commitment to meeting next year’s tourism targets. She emphasized the captivating allure of the Maldives, highlighting its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and diverse array of accommodations and activities, inviting the world to discover their ideal holiday in the “Sunny Side of Life.”
Throughout 2023, MMPRC diligently conducted diverse marketing campaigns, employing immersive strategies that showcased the Maldives’ unparalleled beauty and experiences. The comprehensive 360-degree marketing approach resonated globally, maintaining the Maldives as a sought-after destination for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. A total of 349 marketing and promotional campaigns were executed, collectively reaching over 6,011,389,743 individuals worldwide.
Strategic collaborations with esteemed brands like BBC Studios, CNN International Commercial, and Qatar Airways, along with the successful Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023, were pivotal achievements. Purposeful promotional activities, focused on sustainable tourism experiences, facilitated over 1 million visitors within a mere seven months, even during the low season, solidifying the Maldives’ position as a premier global destination.
These efforts garnered international acclaim at the World Travel Awards, where both MMPRC and the Maldives received top honors. The Maldives secured the esteemed title of World’s Leading Destination for the fourth consecutive year and was also honored with the newly-introduced Global Tourism Resilience Award for its adeptness in swiftly recovering and thriving post-disruptions. MMPRC was lauded for its work, winning the World’s Leading Tourist Board Award for the second consecutive year.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
