The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), in collaboration with Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM), and the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), has announced that registrations are now open for the second edition of the “Welcome India” Roadshow 2026. Scheduled to take place from 23 to 27 March 2026, the multi-city roadshow will be held across Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur, three of India’s most dynamic and high-potential outbound travel hubs.
Positioned as a dedicated trade platform, the “Welcome India” Roadshow is a key component of MATATO’s broader strategy to reinforce India’s status as one of the Maldives’ most important and high-performing source markets. India continues to deliver strong numbers to the Maldives, supported by convenient air connectivity, short flight durations, and the ease of visa-on-arrival, which together make the island nation one of the most accessible premium beach destinations for Indian travellers. Recent market trends in late 2025 indicate renewed momentum and a strong rebound from India, particularly in the luxury, destination wedding, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) segments, with growing demand for personalised itineraries and tailor-made experiences.
These trends are especially significant for Maldivian resorts, which remain at the heart of the country’s tourism offering. From ultra-luxury private island retreats and overwater villa sanctuaries to lifestyle resorts designed for families, honeymooners, and small groups, Maldivian properties are increasingly tailoring their product lines and services to suit Indian travellers’ preferences. Many resorts now provide extensive Indian and vegetarian dining options, flexible venue spaces for weddings and corporate retreats, dedicated kids’ clubs, wellness and spa packages, as well as curated excursions that highlight the Maldives’ marine life and local culture. The roadshow will offer these resorts an ideal setting to showcase their unique strengths, including private pool villas, water villas, signature dining concepts, and bespoke celebration packages that are particularly appealing for high-end weddings and special occasion travel from India.
For 2026, MATATO has set an ambitious target of welcoming 300,000 visitors from India, further underlining the strategic importance of the market to the Maldives’ tourism industry. The Association has long been a pioneer in promoting the destination in India, being among the first Maldivian industry bodies to participate in key trade fairs such as OTM and SATTE since 2014. Over the past decade, MATATO has consistently championed the Maldives through a combination of roadshows, familiarisation trips, joint advertising campaigns, and trade-led activations. These sustained efforts have helped enhance brand visibility, deepen trade relationships, and maintain the Maldives as a top-of-mind destination for Indian tour operators and travellers alike.
The 2026 edition of the “Welcome India” Roadshow will bring together Maldivian resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, and experience providers with leading Indian travel agents, tour operators, and planners. By facilitating direct B2B meetings and networking, the platform aims to support advance contracting and encourage stronger cooperation for year-round sales. The initiative is also intended to help diversify bookings beyond traditional peak seasons and highlight the full spectrum of Maldivian tourism products, including boutique guesthouses on local islands, curated liveaboard itineraries for diving and cruising, wellness retreats, and nature-focused experiences that complement the core resort offering.
Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur have been carefully selected for the 2026 roadshow as they represent rapidly expanding centres of outbound travel with rising disposable income and a strong appetite for premium and experiential travel. These cities are home to established travel trade communities that actively package long-haul holidays, destination weddings, and incentive trips. For Maldivian resorts and tourism businesses, the roadshow therefore presents a timely opportunity to forge new partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and secure forward bookings across a diverse range of traveller segments from India’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets.
Participation in the “Welcome India” Roadshow 2026 is limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, underscoring the exclusivity and focused nature of the platform. The registration deadline is 15 February 2026, with early-bird discounts offered to members of MATATO, VMC, NHGAM, and NBAM who complete their registrations by 31 January 2026. Interested resorts, guesthouses, liveaboard operators, and experience providers are encouraged to secure their slots early to maximise their exposure and contracting opportunities in all three cities.
The full participation prospectus and registration details can be accessed via the MATATO website at www.matato.org/welcomeindia2026 or by emailing [email protected]. For further information and clarifications, industry partners may contact Mohamed Bassam Adam, CEO of MATATO, via [email protected] or on +960 777 9413. With the collective backing of key industry associations and the strong potential of the Indian market, the “Welcome India” Roadshow 2026 is set to further elevate the Maldives’ position as a preferred premium island destination for travellers from India and beyond.
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