Visit Maldives Corporation has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DERTOUR Deutschland, one of Europe’s largest tour operators, to substantially increase tourist arrivals from Germany and enhance the Maldives’ visibility across the European travel market. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in destination marketing and trade engagement, positioning the Maldives for sustained growth from one of its most valuable source markets.
The MoU was signed on 10 February 2026 in Berlin on the sidelines of the official visit of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Representing Visit Maldives Corporation, Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, formalised the agreement alongside Jörn Krausser, Director – Indian Ocean & Asia at DERTOUR Deutschland. The signing demonstrates high-level engagement between stakeholders and signals a coordinated effort to expand tourism collaboration between the Maldives and Germany.
Under the agreement, both parties will work towards driving a minimum of 100,000 German tourist arrivals to the Maldives, with a shared ambition to exceed 200,000 German visitors in the subsequent year. Germany has consistently ranked among the Maldives’ most significant European source markets, and this partnership aims to consolidate and expand that position through carefully structured and measurable initiatives.
The collaboration will prioritise joint promotional campaigns, trade engagement programmes and targeted marketing strategies tailored to German consumer preferences, seasonal demand patterns and established distribution channels. By aligning promotional efforts with data-driven insights and market trends, the partnership seeks to ensure sustained visibility of the Maldives within Germany’s competitive outbound travel market.
DERTOUR Deutschland will contribute extensive market expertise and strategic guidance to support the development of effective destination marketing initiatives. Both parties have agreed to exchange relevant tourism data, market intelligence and performance insights in accordance with applicable confidentiality and data-sharing regulations. This exchange of information is expected to enhance campaign effectiveness, optimise resource allocation and strengthen return on investment for promotional activities.
The MoU also outlines cooperation in mutually agreed trade events, sales activations and promotional initiatives organised by either party. These activities are designed to reinforce engagement with the German travel trade, including tour operators, travel agencies and distribution networks, while delivering measurable growth in arrivals. Strengthened collaboration with the travel trade is anticipated to further elevate the Maldives’ brand positioning as a premium, year-round destination offering luxury, sustainability and authentic island experiences.
The partnership acknowledges DERTOUR Deutschland’s longstanding engagement in the Maldives through its portfolio of brands and resort investments, including ANANEA Resorts. This continued presence demonstrates the group’s confidence in the Maldives as a leading global tourism destination and highlights its long-term investment interest in the market. The Maldives remains internationally recognised for its pristine natural environment, diverse marine life, exceptional hospitality standards and high-end resort offerings that cater to discerning travellers from Europe and beyond.
DERTOUR Deutschland comprises the tour operators DERTOUR, ITS and Meiers Weltreisen and forms part of the DERTOUR Group. As the travel and tourism division of the REWE Group, the DERTOUR Group manages a broad portfolio of established tour operator brands, travel agencies and destination services, delivering comprehensive tourism solutions across global markets. Its extensive distribution network and strong consumer base in Germany provide a significant platform to expand the Maldives’ outreach.
This agreement reinforces Visit Maldives Corporation’s ongoing strategy to strengthen partnerships with leading international tour operators in priority markets. By enhancing destination visibility, deepening trade collaboration and implementing data-informed marketing initiatives, the Maldives continues to advance its objective of achieving sustainable tourism growth from Germany and across Europe, while delivering high-quality experiences to global travellers.
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