Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) collaborates with Malaysia Airlines to host a virtual product seminar, solidifying our position in the vital Japanese travel market. The free webinar, conducted on Wednesday, May 29th 2024, via Microsoft Teams, targeted approximately 100 key travel professionals in Japan. The event aimed to reinforce the Maldives' enduring appeal as a leading tourist destination for Japanese travellers by generating positive media coverage through sharing destination updates alongside industry peers.

The collaborative programme featured presentations by Malaysia Airlines and tourism authorities from the Maldives, Malaysia, and Thailand. Presentations focused on updates to Malaysia Airlines' schedule and product offerings, the introduction of a new daily direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to the Maldives, and special airfare promotions. Additionally, destination presentations specifically highlighted the new flights, promoting the ease of travel between Malaysia and the Maldives.

The Japanese market plays a crucial role in the Maldives' tourism industry. Following the pandemic, arrival figures from Japan have exhibited a positive and steady recovery. This trend is exemplified by the doubling of arrivals year-on-year, with 23,041 arrivals recorded in 2023 and a significant 9,333 arrivals achieved in the first four months of 2024.

Visit Maldives has implemented a comprehensive strategy to reignite enthusiasm for vacations in the Maldives among Japanese travellers. This strategy incorporates eye-catching ambient outdoor advertising strategically located within major Japanese cities, and social media campaigns conducted in Japanese utilising the influence of Japanese-speaking staff and guests to connect with target audiences. Additionally, our campaigns emphasise the Maldives' reputation as a top destination through high-end channels. Targeted advertising and promotions further elevate the diverse Maldives tourism experience, including liveaboards, diving adventures, luxurious resorts, guesthouses, and family-friendly holidays.

In line with these strategies, MMPRC will be participating in Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2024, the leading travel expo in Japan, to showcase the Maldives' unparalleled offerings to potential travellers in this market.