Maldives participates at WITM - Malaysia

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) together with the tourism industry of Maldives have showcased destination Maldives at World Islamic Tourism Mart (WITM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Maldives delegation comprised of 19 delegates from 11 companies, representing Resorts and Travel Agents were headed by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Mr. Mohamed Maleeh Jamal. 

The WITM comprised of a consumer travel fair, a business-to-business travel exchange and an international conference. Tour operators and travel agents from more than 50 countries participated in this 3 day exhibition. The international conference on Muslim Tourism (InCoMTHU) was held on the first day of the fair. The conference was inaugurated by Yab Dato Mukhriz Tun Dr. Mahathir, the Deputy Minister of International trade and Industries, Malaysia. The theme of this conference was ‘Islamic Tourism: Leading the Way’. In this all day event, the session on Maldives: A Perfect Destination for Muslim Travellers was presented by Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts, & Culture Mr. Mohamed Maleeh Jamal. 

As Maldives being a Muslim country, this is an ideal platform for Maldivian suppliers and agencies to tap this niche market to increase its market share. With the great economic strength and growth potential in the Muslim societies this is an essential market that needs to be targeted. The Maldivian delegation updated on new developments and products that offers in the Maldives. Also the different packages that offer for Muslim Travellers were introduced. 

Simultaneously with the WITM, the Malaysia International Tourism Exchange (MITE) 2012 was also commenced on 31st May 2012. The official opening ceremony was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak. Deputy Minister Mr. Maleeh Jamal together with Deputy High Commissioner of Maldives to Malaysia, Ms. Aishath Shaan Shakir attended the ceremony. Following that Deputy Minister Mr. Maleeh Jamal also made a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Tourism H.E. Dato Dr. James Dawo Mamit which took place at Malaysia Agro-Exposition Park, Serdang, Selongor.

During the WITM, a press conference targeted for travel trade media to update on the developments of Maldives tourism was held at the Putra World Trade Centre on the 1st June 2012. The press conference was headed by Deputy Minister Mr. Maleeh Jamal and Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia Ms. Aishath Shaan Shakir and the President of Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) Mr. Mohamed Khaleel. A good participation from the media was received for the press conference; consequently covering the Maldives updates on major newspapers and television channels in Malaysia. The Maldives delegation also met with the Malaysia Tourism Board’s Members.

Maldives recorded a total of 1720 tourist arrivals between January to April 2012. It represented an increase of 18.6 percent compared to the same period in 2011.