The Maldives is experiencing remarkable success at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, drawing widespread attention and acclaim from global tourism stakeholders. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 2025 April 28 to May 1, this year’s edition of ATM has positioned the Maldives as one of the most prominent and well-received participants of the event, according to the country’s Minister of Tourism and Environment, Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim.
Representing the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC)’s flagship international tourism event for 2024, ATM has become a focal point for engaging with partners and showcasing the island nation’s diverse travel offerings. A total of 110 Maldivian tourism companies and 235 delegates are participating under the MMPRC umbrella, reflecting a coordinated effort to attract new markets and enhance global visibility.
Minister Thoriq, in a media interview during the fair, noted that the level of interest from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has exceeded expectations. “The GCC is a premium market for us. Travellers from this region contribute significantly to our tourism revenue, and our presence at ATM is generating strong traction that supports our national goal of welcoming 2.3 million tourists in 2024,” he stated.
Throughout the four-day event, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim and MMPRC CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree has held high-level discussions with regional airlines and travel industry partners. These included meetings with Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Wizz Air, Beond, Travel Link, and Destination Wedding Planners (dwp), with the aim of strengthening international connectivity, exploring luxury air travel collaborations, promoting destination weddings, and launching digital marketing partnerships.
MMPRC CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree, MMPRC Chairperson Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz, and Maldives Ambassador to the UAE Mohamed Hussain Shareef were also present at these strategic engagements, further amplifying the Maldives’ efforts to deepen ties within the Middle Eastern travel sector.
The impact of the Maldives’ participation was clearly visible at the national stand, where business-to-business meetings surged beyond expectations. Resorts, guesthouses, and travel agencies alike reported positive responses, with many noting a stronger turnout compared to previous years. Mohamed Shaaz Waleed, CEO of Resort Life Travel, described this year’s ATM as an “exceptional platform,” noting Dubai’s global prominence as a hub that has elevated the Maldives’ visibility.
Mohamed Firaq, CEO of Inner Maldives, emphasized the strength of the Maldivian delegation, which presented a unified tourism front across luxury resorts, safari boats, travel operators, and community-based guesthouses. “It’s a powerful message to the global market when we show the full spectrum of Maldivian tourism in one place,” he said.
The guesthouse sector’s growing role was also highlighted by Abdulla Nasheed, President of the National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM), who expressed appreciation for MMPRC’s efforts in ensuring guesthouses gain exposure alongside larger operators. He also praised the use of cultural showcases, live performances, and artistic displays that enriched the Maldives’ presence at the fair.
In another key development, MMPRC launched the “Aerial Isles” inflight magazine for Maldivian Airlines at ATM. The magazine, created in collaboration with Open Sky Group, was introduced by MMPRC CEO Ibrahim Shiuree alongside General Manager of Sales Ms. Shahuzan Abdulla, Senior Sales Manager Ms. Aishath Shiuna Rasheed, and Open Sky Group Managing Director Mr. Hussain Shiham. “Aerial Isles” will be available on all Maldivian flights, offering passengers a curated view of the Maldives’ beauty and cultural experiences from the moment they step onboard.
The Maldives’ success at ATM 2024 reflects the effectiveness of its strategic marketing campaigns and promotional efforts in key markets. The positive reception and high engagement levels underscore the country’s growing reputation not only for luxury travel but also as a destination rich in culture, diversity, and premium experiences.
As the Maldives continues its global outreach through innovative collaborations and high-profile travel events, MMPRC remains committed to supporting the government’s vision for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry.
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