MMPRC exhibits Maldives as partner country of OTM Mumbai

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is exhibiting Maldives at the biggest travel trade event held in India, OTM Mumbai, as the partner country, - a move aimed at further strengthening Maldives’ brand visibility in the Indian market.  

The fair is being held from the March 14-16, at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai, India, 

OTM, known as the gateway to India's largest travel market, is one of the largest international gatherings of travel trade buyers and professionals in India.  

The event provides the opportunity for the international travel trade to meet tourism professionals and build long-term business relations from around the world.  

This year's OTM event will see over 1,100 exhibitors from 55 countries, with visitor figures estimated to reach over 30,000 during the three days of the event.  

MMPRC’s CEO and Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed participated in a panel discussion held on the sidelines of OTM under the title “The Importance of India-Outbound in the Post Pandemic Market Recovery”.  

Speaking at the panel discussion, Thoyyib addressed the current position of the market and the ongoing efforts by MMPRC and industry stakeholders to maintain Maldives as one of the most preferred destinations among Indians.  

MMPRC was also conferred an award, titled “Friend of Indian Outbound Travel Fraternity” by One Above Agency, one of the leading travel agencies of India, in recognition for the work done by the corporation in the Indian market.  

Thoyyib is also scheduled to attend “Maldives Tourism Investment and Connectivity Forum” - a networking event scheduled to be held by the Tourism Ministry on Tuesday, March 15. 

MTCC said that as part of its efforts to enhance the destination presence during OTM, Maldives will be exhibited as the partner country during the three-day fair, granting Maldives visibility on both offline and online components.  

As such, Maldives will be promoted as a preferred holiday destination for Indians by highlighting tourism products and segments and experiences at strategic locations of the venue.  

MMPRC said that Maldives’ participation in the fair was communicated to over 50,000 agents in the organizers database through official presses and emailers.  

Maldives will be represented by MMPRC at a designated stand at OTM 2022, along with 18 co-exhibitors.  

MMPRC said that the main purpose of participating in the event was to promote Maldives as a safe haven for travelers and to update the Indian travel trade with the latest information and travel guidelines from the destination.  

“Throughout the event, MMPRC will showcase the geographical advantages of the scattered islands of the Maldives, allowing natural social distancing, and making our nation one of the safest destinations for tourists. Our products, including resorts, hotels, guesthouses/homestays and liveaboards, will also be marketed through this event,” said MMPRC. 

India was the top source market to Maldives, in the past two years - contributing to the overall recovery of the tourism sector from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

MMPRC said that it expects participation in OTM to efficiently promote various segments of tourism to travel trade professionals, assisting Maldives to increase future bookings and arrival figures from India.  

India was the largest market in 2021 with over 278,740 travelers and a market share of 22.6 percent. It was also the largest market in 2020 with an arrival figure of 62,960 and a market share of 11.3 percent.