Year: 2022

Home / 2022 (Page 3)
Visit Maldives Continues Exciting Global Campaign  with CNN International Commercial

Visit Maldives Continues Exciting Global Campaign with CNN International Commercial

Following two incredibly successful global campaigns with CNN, Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) has signed an advertising and branded content agreement with CNN International Commercial to promote the Maldives to a global audience through persuasive storytelling. This campaign with CNN will be conducted from June till the end of October 2022. MMPRC campaigns with CNN in the past two years focused on promoting local talents, artists, and stories on a global scale. The success of these campaigns inspired us to continue our partnership with CNN in order to promote Maldives through local talents.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at MMPRC headquarters on 25th May 2022 by Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, and by Mr Abhijeet Dhar, Director Sales, South Asia, CNN International Commercial.

CEO & MD Thoyyib stated that CNN had been instrumental in promoting the Maldives through immersive storytelling over the past few years. He said that the campaign will amplify the story of 50 successful years of tourism in the Maldives through a combination of storytelling with emotional resonance and cultural relevance, to elevate perceptions of the Maldives in the minds of travelers.

Speaking about the campaign, Abhijeet Dhar, Director Sales South Asia, CNN International Commercial, said “We are thrilled to take our campaign with MMPRC into the 3rd consecutive year for a global cross-platform campaign that brings Maldives’ travel experiences to life – especially when this beautiful country celebrates its 50th year of Tourism. Our campaign is a compelling combination of rich storytelling, adept branded content and unparalleled engagement that CNN has with its audience. This year we’ve also brought to fore a brand-new immersive story-telling experience for our audiences to showcase the hidden gems of Maldives that are beautiful and undiscovered to our audiences across the globe.”

CNNIC's global brand studio Create will also roll out a branded content production under the concept ‘Rediscover Paradise’. This production will appeal to travelers through emotion, resonance, and relatability, and provide an opportunity for them to rediscover paradise. TV productions, digital videos and articles, social media campaigns, photo galleries, and audio tours are some of the diverse approaches CNN will utilize in its content production. The campaign will run adjacent to new upcoming travel and lifestyle content that CNN is developing about the Maldives to run across its TV and digital platforms.

The purpose of the campaign is to promote the Maldives beyond the sun, sand, and sea – delving deep into the rich culture, heritage, and threads of Maldivian society and lifestyle. Stories will be interwoven with the breathtaking beauty and wonder of the Maldives’ natural environment. The content produced in this campaign is designed to reach a global audience. MMPRC focuses heavily on providing exposure and opportunities for local talents and artists during global campaigns such as these. Therefore, we will emphasize promoting local talents during this year's campaign with CNN as well.

This is the third time we have signed a global campaign agreement with CNN in the past two years. Our first campaign was during the pandemic, and CNN was instrumental in promoting the Maldives as a safe haven in the global market. Our campaign in 2021 with CNN under the theme of ‘Reconnect Maldives’ explored different stories within the tourism industry, the different products and experiences available here, and why the Maldives remains one of the safest destinations. We are confident that our continued campaign with CNN will yield a successful outcome and maintain the Maldives as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world.

-End-

Visit Maldives promoted subaquatic adventures at  Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2022

Visit Maldives promoted subaquatic adventures at Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2022

Maldives’ subaquatic adventures were promoted at Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2022 by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) and industry partners. The event was held from 27 - 29 May 2022 at the World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Welcoming an average of 12,000 visitors annually, of which 90% are dive businesses and professionals, MIDE has evolved over the years into an essential business platform for the dive industry. It is a one-stop-hub for buyers and sellers of the dive and underwater industry, including dive-related equipment, courses, travel, and underwater conservation, as well as boating and water sports. The show is internationally recognized and well received by industry players globally. Underwater experiences are one of the fastest growing segments of tourism in the South East Asia region.

MMPRC was joined by 6 representatives from 4 partnered co-exhibitors. We participated in the event to maintain destination presence and create brand awareness, as well as to share the relevant information to the travel trade and potential travelers from Malaysia, Southeast Asia market and beyond. Through this event, we specifically targeted the dive segment, which is an important market for the destination.

MMPRC and industry partners promoted the dive and underwater experiences available in the Maldives to potential dive and underwater sports enthusiasts. We held one-on-one meetings with top travel trade members, showcased our tourism products including resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards, and promoted the unique experiences and services available in the Maldives. We aim to create meaningful partnerships with the international travel and tourism trade, as this was a perfect opportunity to inform them of the latest destination information, travel guidelines and safety measures in place in our facilities. MIDE fair also organized a series of talks by professionals from the diving and watersports field during the event. On the second day of the fair, experienced Maldivian diver Shafraz Naeem, gave a talk on “Diving in Maldives”.

A special quiz was conducted during the fair, from which one lucky participant was selected from all those who answered the quiz questionnaire correctly. On the last day of the fair, a lucky draw was conducted and the winner awarded a special gift.

Malaysian borders were closed due to Covid restrictions for most of 2020 and 2021, but are now open for travel. From January to February this year, the Maldives welcomed 1,194 visitors from the Southeast Asian market. MMPRC has conducted several social media/digital campaigns and other activities for countries in the South East Asian market this year, to maintain destination momentum and increase arrivals. This includes campaigns with TripZilla and Travel Weekly Asia and participation in MATTA Fair and Thailand Dive Expo. Ongoing activities for this market include a cabvertising campaign with MyBump Media, marketing campaigns with TripZilla, Apple Vacations, and the Maldives E-Learning Program. Many more activities are in the pipeline for the SEA market for the ongoing year.

As the company responsible for marketing the Maldives as a destination abroad, MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarization trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travelers from all over the globe.

This year also celebrates an exceptional year to visit the Maldives – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives kicked off earlier last year with plans to conduct new and exciting activities throughout the year.

-End-

Visit Maldives Showcased Underwater Escapades at Thailand Dive Expo 2022

Visit Maldives Showcased Underwater Escapades at Thailand Dive Expo 2022

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (Visit Maldives/MMPRC) and industry partners showcased the underwater escapades and beauty of the Maldives at Thailand Dive Expo 2022. The event was held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center from 5 - 8 May 2022.

The largest such event held in Thailand, Thailand Dive Expo 2022 brought together; leading holiday destinations; dive and water sport equipment manufacturers; dive resorts; tourism boards; and marine conservation and diving organizations. The fair provided the opportunity to promote their products and services, and to network and collaborate with potential clients and customers. Thailand Tourism Agencies, boat manufacturers and local diving resorts, dive operators and dive schools were joined at the event by a number of diving industry players from all over the world.

MMPRC and industry partners attended this event to market the breathtaking beauty of our dive sites, and to promote varying underwater and watersports adventures available in the destination for enthusiast tourists seeking thrill, fun and unique experiences in the Maldives. During the event, we promoted the tourism products of the Maldives to the South East Asian (SEA) Market- our resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards- along with information on our unique experiences and the latest safe travel guidelines.

Through our participation in this event, we hope to establish the Maldives as a safe haven and a top of the mind destination, to maintain and strengthen destination presence in the SEA Market. Such events also provide local industry partners with the opportunity to showcase/promote their products. These events assist the destination in achieving pre-pandemic arrival numbers and increase overall arrival numbers from the region. Participation in the event aligned with our marketing strategy for the SEA market, which is focused on ambient outdoor campaigns and other activities to strengthen the Maldives brand in all major cities of the SEA countries, raise arrival numbers, and re-orient the perception of the Maldives solely as a honeymoon, luxury destination. The strategy also aims to target segments such as families and Muslim travellers from this market.

From 4th March 2022, tourists visiting the Maldives are no longer required to present a Covid-19 PCR negative result upon arrival if the prescribed doses of vaccine are completed 14 days prior to the date of arrival. As of 13th March 2022, the Maldives has also lifted the national public health emergency, imposed in response to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ease of travel restrictions and measures would make it easier for tourists to visit the Maldives.

MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarization trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.

This year also celebrates an exceptional year to visit the Maldives – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives kicked off earlier last year with plans to conduct new and exciting activities throughout the year.

Visit Maldives Takes Part in MATTA Fair 2022

Visit Maldives Takes Part in MATTA Fair 2022

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) has taken part in MATTA Fair 2022 (9th – 10th April 2022) to strengthen and promote the Maldives brand presence in the Southeast Asian market. Seven industry partners took part in the fair alongside Visit Maldives.

MATTA Fair is Malaysia's premier travel extravaganza providing global exposure and endless business opportunities in this exciting era of groundbreaking travel innovations and technological advent. The fair provides the perfect opportunity for Visit Maldives and stakeholders to connect with the Southeast Asian travel trade, top media, and key industry stakeholders.

Visit Maldives participated in this fair under a strategy to reorient the perception of Maldives solely as a honeymoon luxury destination by focusing on resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, and hotels, as well as the unique experiences travelers can have. The promotional activities also extend to families and Muslim travelers aligned with our overall strategy for the SEA market. Ultimately, our goal at the fair is to revive the SEA market and achieve pre-pandemic arrival figures as soon as the market fully opens for international travel.

Last year, the Maldives welcomed 9,539 tourists to the country from the South East Asian market. This year, until February, the country has recorded over 755 arrivals from the South East Asian market. MMPRC has successfully initiated several marketing campaigns for this market so far in 2022, including a marketing campaign with TripZilla, a campaign with Apple Vacations, and an E-learning Program for the travel trade.

The Maldives has recently eased travel restrictions imposed on tourists which enforced presenting of negative PCR tests by all travelers. In this regard, from 4th March 2022, tourists visiting the Maldives are no longer required to present a Covid-19 PCR negative result upon arrival if the prescribed doses of vaccine are completed 14 days prior to date of arrival. As of 13th March 2022, the Maldives has also lifted the national public health emergency, imposed in response to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ease of travel restrictions and measures would make it easier for tourists to visit the Maldives.

MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarization trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travelers from all over the globe.

This year also celebrates an exceptional year to visit the Maldives – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives kicked off earlier last year with plans to conduct new and exciting activities throughout the year. MMPRC has planned over 60 in-person events for the year 2022, including 11 fairs, roadshows and events scheduled for just the first quarter.

-End-

Visit Maldives Launches ‘Maldives E-learning Program’ for SEA Market

Visit Maldives Launches ‘Maldives E-learning Program’ for SEA Market

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives), has launched an E-learning program for South East Asian travel trade. Through the E-learning program, MMPRC will promote the Maldives as a preferred and safe tourist destination to maximize visibility in the SEA market.

The Maldives E-learning Program has a dedicated website and can be accessed by logging in to https://elearningmaldives.com/. The modules provide the latest information about Maldives’ tourism sector for travel trade professionals working in the SEA market. This E-learning platform is flexible and allows members to join in at any time, anywhere, to learn more about Maldives and what it has to offer to tourists. Travel trades can access and use the E-learning website up to one year from the date of launch.

Through this program, MMPRC aims to familiarize travel trade professionals working in the SEA market with the latest information on measures taken in our products (resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards), and the unique experiences available in the Maldives for travelers from this market. This is the ideal platform to market the destination as a safe haven and promote the unique geographical formation of the scattered islands which allow natural social distancing for travelers.

Over 600 travel partners are expected to participate in the program, with a reach of 3000 travel partners throughout the year from the SEA market. The interactive course will include 3 modules, with the first module focusing on introductory basic information, module 2 focusing on promoting unique selling points of the destination, and the last module on the latest travel guidelines, covid measures and updates. Agents who complete the course will obtain an official certificate issued by Visit Maldives. This program is conducted in line with the marketing strategy for the SEA market to strengthen the Maldives’ brand in the SEA region and create greater appeal for travelers.

The world is currently on the trajectory to adapt to a broader new normal and ease Covid-19 measures across all sectors to recover from negative impact caused to economies due to Covid-19 restrictions. We are witnessing more countries easing travel measures and opening with a new normal. With regards to the recent development across the world, Maldives has also eased travel restrictions imposed on tourists which enforced presenting of negative PCR tests by all travelers. In this regard, from 4th March 2022, tourists visiting Maldives are no longer required to present a Covid-19 PCR negative result upon arrival if the prescribed doses of vaccine are completed 14 days prior to date of arrival. As of 13th March 2022, the Maldives has also lifted the national public health emergency, imposed in response to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The ease of travel restrictions and measures would make it easier for tourists to visit the Maldives.

MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarization trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travelers from all over the globe.

This year also celebrates an exceptional year to visit the Maldives – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives kicked off earlier last year with plans to conduct new and exciting activities throughout the year. MMPRC has planned over 60 in-person events for the year 2022, including 11 fairs, roadshows and events scheduled for just the first quarter.

-End-