The Maldives has strengthened its international tourism presence at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, with 62 Maldivian tourism companies participating in one of the world’s leading travel industry events as the country intensifies preparations for its major global tourism promotion drive in 2027.
The three-day event, being held at ExCeL London, brings together key tourism destinations, travel companies, international buyers, airlines, tour operators, online travel platforms, media organisations and industry decision-makers from across the world. WTM London is also the final major international tourism fair in which the Maldives is participating this year, providing an important platform to conclude the country’s 2026 international marketing calendar with strong industry engagement.
The Maldivian stand was officially opened by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, Visit Maldives Corporation CEO and Managing Director Abdulla Yasir, and Maldives High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Jameela Ali Khalid. During the opening, senior officials also met representatives of Maldivian tourism businesses participating in the exhibition and discussed opportunities to further strengthen the destination’s international market presence.
A total of 161 representatives are attending WTM London as part of the Maldivian delegation, including 136 representatives from 62 tourism companies. Their participation highlights the diversity and strength of the Maldives’ tourism industry, ranging from internationally recognised luxury resorts and private-island retreats to locally operated hospitality businesses, travel companies and tourism service providers.
The Maldives continues to be recognised globally for its distinctive resort tourism model, built around private islands surrounded by pristine lagoons, white-sand beaches and rich marine environments. Maldivian resorts offer a broad range of accommodation and experiences, including overwater villas, beachfront residences, family-oriented facilities, diving and water sports, marine excursions, wellness services, fine dining and highly personalised hospitality. Continued investment in resort development, service quality, sustainability and visitor experiences has helped maintain the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most sought-after premium island destinations.
WTM London is particularly important for the Maldives because Europe remains the country’s largest regional tourism market, accounting for approximately 57 per cent of its tourism market. The exhibition therefore provides Maldivian tourism businesses with valuable access to established and emerging European partners while also creating opportunities to connect with buyers and travel industry professionals from other major international markets.
Throughout the fair, participating Maldivian companies will hold business meetings, strengthen existing partnerships, identify new market opportunities and promote their resorts, hotels, guesthouses and tourism services to international buyers. Visit Maldives Corporation will also conduct extensive destination promotion activities aimed at increasing international visibility for participating businesses and helping them develop new commercial relationships.
The Maldives is using WTM London 2026 as an important platform to build momentum for Visit Maldives Year 2027, which forms part of the Government’s wider efforts to further expand and advance the tourism industry. The campaign was launched domestically on National Tourism Day and is expected to receive further international exposure during WTM through engagement with global media organisations and tourism industry partners.
The 2027 edition of the Visit Maldives Destination Guide is also scheduled to be unveiled during the event, providing international travellers and industry partners with updated information on the destination, accommodation options and tourism experiences available across the Maldives.
As part of preparations to increase tourist arrivals in 2027, Visit Maldives Corporation will hold discussions with international tour operators, airlines, online travel platforms and media organisations on joint promotional initiatives, destination marketing and strategic partnerships. These engagements are expected to support stronger air connectivity, wider destination visibility and greater access to both established and emerging tourism markets.
The Government’s focus on Visit Maldives Year 2027, combined with strong participation from the private tourism sector at major international exhibitions such as WTM London, reflects a coordinated national effort to sustain tourism growth, attract greater international demand and ensure that the Maldives remains one of the world’s most competitive and desirable travel destinations.
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