ITB Berlin, the worlds leading trade show has concluded its 53rd year, at the Messe Berlin Expo Center in Berlin, Germany. With a strong presence from the Maldives delegation, Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) represented the destination with 105 companies with over 270 representatives. Vice President Faisal Naseem lead the Maldives delegation along with Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed and Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr.Thoyyib Mohamed.

During this five-day event, officials met with industry professionals during the fair to explore means to further develop and strengthen the presence of the Maldives. In addition to business meetings conducted during the fair, the Maldives delegation directly engaged with major tour operators and top travel trade media at formal press briefing chaired by the Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem, the Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed and the Managing Director of MMPRC Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed and top industry partners.

The Maldives stand was showcased at a two storey 405sqm stand representing the culture and beauty of the destination. This year, the stand activities resembled that of the cultural Eid festivities and celebrations, bringing a touch of colour and grandeur to the stand. 

Complimenting this, the Maldivian traditional Bodu Mas celebrations gave visitors a chance to experience local culture. The Maldives stand also had a Spa corner by Sun Siyam resorts. Other festive activities such as Maldivian Dances, performed by the local Goma group and live music by Equatic vibe, in addition to that lacquer work and other handicraft work were carried out at the stand. A live food station was placed at the stand where food preparations were showcased to attract more visitors to the Maldives stand. The traditional food display where visitors were able to taste the Maldivian food was also placed at the stand which was one of the most attractive aspects of the Maldives stand for the visitors.

The most prestigious event for the Maldives representatives "Maldivian Night" was held on 6th of March 2019 at the Grand Hytt Berlin where delegates from across the world participated. 

Looking at the German Market, by the end of 2018, 117,532 arrivals were recorded, which is a growth of 4.8 percent compared to the previous year. Germany is one of the biggest traditional source markets for the Maldives and is currently the second largest in terms of arrival figures.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention

ITB Berlin is the Worlds Leading Travel Trade Show. In 2019 a total of 10,000 companies and organisations from 181 countries exhibited their products and services to around 160,000 visitors, including 113.500 trade visitors. 

They have proudly announced that ITB Berlin 2020 will be taking place from 4^th to 8^th March. Parallel with the show, the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest event of its kind, will be held from 4^th to 7^th March 2020. Admission to the ITB Berlin Convention is free for trade visitors and exhibitors. For more information please visit www.itb-berlin.com, www.itb-convention.com and the ITB Social Media Newsroom.