Maldives was one of the first countries to open borders for international travellers last year amidst the pandemic. In 2021 they will be the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 24 – 26 November as a physical event in Shanghai, with a virtual extension from early November until the end of December. The independent island nation in the northern Indian Ocean will participate in China’s B2B travel trade show with its own Maldives pavilion to showcase its tropical islands and discuss business prospects with Chinese buyers to increase bookings and arrivals from China to the Maldives once travel restrictions are lifted.

Recovering well from the pandemic

 Following the implementation of strict policies and measures for the safety of visitors, the Maldives opened their borders in mid-July 2020 and since then the arrival figures have been promising. By the end of 2020 they were able to achieve 33% of the total arrivals achieved in 2019. During the first six months of 2021, they have achieved 62% year on year, in comparison to arrivals in the same period of 2019.

China one of Maldives’ top markets prior to pandemic

“As China has been one of our biggest source markets in the past, it is a priority to maintain the destination presence in China. We are constantly holding activities and digital marketing campaigns and participate in minor and major events of the travel trade industry,” said Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation. “ITB China is China’s leading travel trade show and we are excited to promote our destination at this prestigious event and work towards regaining the market share we had in China before the pandemic. During ITB China 2021, we hope to assure our travellers that the Maldives is the safest destination to travel post pandemic, after travel restrictions are eased. ITB China provides us with a perfect opportunity to meet travel trade partners from China and beyond, to re-familiarize them with our unique products and experiences. We look forward to an exciting event and towards building lasting relationships and networking with stakeholders from China, to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.”

Wide array of options for tourists 

There are customized packages in resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards for either high end or budget travellers. Since the island nation introduced guesthouse concept in 2010, there is a positive trend in non-luxury travellers visiting Maldives on a budget.