To deepen the Maldives’ connection with the Middle Eastern tourism market through an exclusive collaboration between I Feel Maldives, the destination marketing arm of Lets Go Maldives, and high-profile Emirati influencer Ahmed Ben Chaibah, widely known across the region as The Aquaman.
As part of a strategic campaign launched in June 2025, The Aquaman and his family were hosted at the ultra-luxurious The Signature Collection at Hideaway, located within the renowned Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. This campaign aims to position the Maldives as the go-to destination for affluent travelers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, who seek family-friendly experiences, luxury getaways, and wellness-centric adventures.
Ahmed Ben Chaibah is an influential entrepreneur best known for founding AQUAFUN, the world’s largest inflatable waterpark, and holding a Guinness World Record. His online presence reaches more than 4 million followers globally across platforms such as Instagram (1.6 million followers under @theaquaman), TikTok, and YouTube. With a personal brand that centers around luxury, innovation, and family entertainment, his appeal closely aligns with the travel preferences of high-net-worth individuals from the GCC region.
Under a 12-month Non-Disclosure and Exclusivity Agreement, I Feel Maldives has secured The Aquaman as the exclusive content and campaign partner for all Maldives-related promotions. This ensures that any tourism content originating from his brand will exclusively promote the Maldives, strengthening the island nation’s visibility across influential Middle Eastern markets.
The campaign includes a wide range of curated promotional activities, including immersive video content, high-quality reels, and visually rich storytelling across The Aquaman’s highly interactive social media accounts. These efforts are part of a larger strategy by I Feel Maldives to increase inbound traffic from the Middle East, particularly among family groups and young couples with a preference for premium travel experiences.
The success of this campaign is also credited to the collaborative efforts of several strategic partners. Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa curated a bespoke luxury stay, highlighting the Maldives’ ability to deliver exceptional private island experiences. MACL (Maldives Airports Company Limited) played a key role in presenting Velana International Airport as a luxury entry point, offering world-class services including access to the Departure CIP Lounge. Maldivian, the national airline, ensured seamless seaplane transfers, while Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) offered their renowned Infinity Lounge for added comfort and prestige.
The initiative also gains institutional support through the recent Memorandum of Understanding between MMPRC (Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation) and Lets Go Maldives. This partnership recognizes I Feel Maldives as an official brand partner in global destination marketing efforts.
As the global travel industry continues to evolve, high-value influencer partnerships like this one reflect a deliberate effort by Maldives tourism stakeholders to harness the power of digital reach and culturally relevant branding. With the GCC outbound travel market projected to exceed USD 110 billion by 2028, according to Statista, the timing and focus of this campaign are well aligned with current trends.
By tapping into the loyal fan base and extensive reach of The Aquaman, I Feel Maldives is setting a course for increased visibility and deeper cultural resonance with Middle Eastern travelers. The campaign not only enhances the Maldives’ reputation as a luxury destination but also ensures it remains competitive in a region where tourism preferences are rapidly shifting toward authentic, family-friendly, and personalized experiences.
This collaboration signals a refined approach in destination promotion, focused on meaningful engagement, strategic content delivery, and deep-rooted cultural alignment. Through this partnership, the Maldives continues to strengthen its identity as a preferred destination for discerning Middle Eastern travelers looking for more than just a vacation: an unforgettable experience.
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