The islandchief

MMPRC’s marketing activities for 2019’s last quarter has been gridlocked with events, one right after the other. From the perspective of a tourism industry stakeholder, do you believe there is an adequate window to accomplish a productive campaign before the year ends?

PUBLISHED September 04, 2019

Mohamed Firaq

Managing Director

Inner Maldives Holidays

Yes I agree. The time has has arrived for the ‘next surge’ in destination marketing – for Government (MMPRC) to not only pay lip service to tourism as an economic force but to practically place it high on the agenda through resource allocation, political power, public – private partnerships etc. As we all agre the number of beds are increasing and we – this means from planning to implementation – many of the excellent plans that have been drafted for national use lie idly on the shelves and are in urgent need of practical implementation. Maldives must boom.

Abdulla Suood

President,

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO)

MMPRC’s works and plans are well executed. The best thing is that, management consults with industry stakeholders before making these promotions. Especially these ideas and meetings with relevant stakeholders have resulted in engaging with new roadshows and PR Activities. However, these activities has to be well supported by focused segments. Eg, more Guesthouses and Liveaboards has to take part when the government spends on these new activities. Results are good and there has been more activities.

Ismail Hameed

Vice President

Vice President National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM)

MMPRC has made great effort with an inclusive approach during 2019, I would say the industry appreciates works done and in plan for this year and some ideas which has already been in place and allocated for 2020. MMPRC have increased a lot of roadshows, and sometimes it is challenging to see only few participants taking part. This at times are note effective compared to what’s being spent on promotions.

Fathimath Reena

Group Assistant Director, Marketing

Sun Siyam

2019 has seen tremendous efforts from MMPRC to promote Maldives as a popular destination across the globe, whilst at the same time tapping in to new markets. The results are looking very promising and I am sure the return will be seen for years. It has to be an interdependent relationship between MMPRC and the industry stakeholders, and we appreciate MMPRC taking a huge step forward. With more discussion and proper planning, 2020 will definitely see brighter results.

Abdul Latheef

President,

SME and Entrepreneur Federation of Maldives (SEFM)

Different sectors in the board is good as they identify needs. Board is policy not the people making plan for Maldives marketing for its future. You may not like to hear this from me but now ADB is saying Maldives is not benefiting enough from tourism. MMPRC should be spending money for best return to Maldives. Negotiate also with line Ministries to make policies more conducive to achieve that objective. Facilitate youth technologically to be part of this industry. They will come along.