Why is Maldives perceived as an expensive holiday destination by foreign travel agents? Is it because we are unable to market other products effectively?

It is because we do not have a choice of products and needs diversification, efficient policies and regulations. Although Maldives is widely seen as an expensive holiday destination, many foreign travel agencies continue promoting and recommending Maldives to their customers considering: • Maldives retains its unrivalled luxurious impression that keeps on attracting those seeking comfort and tranquility - in addition to a lot of romance. • Maldives is a place that would make anyone visiting experience its calm and serene environment, where anyone could simply gaze at its white-sand beaches, crystalline lagoons and azure waters. • Despite the Maldives being a popular honeymoon destination, it also receives a lot of attraction from family vacationers. • Maldives is also a perfect avenue for food fanatics, history buffs and adventurers. • International hotel brands combined with an array of world-class services are what any travel agent would persuade their valued customers to choose Maldives as their holiday destination.

Many new segments of tourism among Maldivian destinations could be promoted within the Maldives. New types of activities could enable a segment for budget holidays. Active holidays for budget market such as night camping, crossing atolls on barefoot in atolls like Gaaf Dhaal and Gaaf Alifu could be themed as "Walking across the largest island chain". Maldives itself could be branded as a summer destination.

MMPRC needs to put a lot of effort to change the perception. Maldives is no longer an expensive destination. We are a mix, and we have everything now, from budget to super luxury.

Flights are expensive. Qatar Airways had airfares at US$ 500 three years ago from Malé to Europe, today the same route with the same airline is over US$ 1200, transfers are very high and continue to be a monopoly with prices between US$ 450 to US$ 550 by seaplane. Tickets on domestic flights start at US$ 350, yet flights with in Europe are between US$ 60 to US$ 80. Operators contract US$ 600 to US$ 1200 per couple, per day on 4 to 5 star resorts, and a week later drops 30% to 40% off.

Resorts and other products in Maldives are different, we have to get our marketing right to address the issues and bring necessary changes to cater to the needs.

We have not been able to market the Maldives adequately, resulting the perception of Maldives as an expensive destination by foreign travel agents, especially with all the changes that has evolved in the past 6 years.

Maldives has different types of products; Resorts, Guesthouses, Safari Boats, Hotels. In recent years, we have focused too much only on wellness and spa tourism. We need to put more effort on diverse segments. I think MMPRC and Tourism Ministry has a good plan and will deliver things in time

Maldives is blessed with the ocean. We need to focus more on selling Ocean based tourism than wellness and other areas. Safari boats have been in the industry for more than 40 years , diverse tourism promotions must include this industry.