NHGAM Unveils ‘I AM Maldives Roadshow’ to Strengthen Tourism Ties with Azerbaijan and Georgia

The National Hotels and Guest House Association of Maldives (NHGAM), in partnership with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO), is excited to announce the I AM Maldives Roadshow, set to take place from December 17th to 20th, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Baku, Azerbaijan.

This exciting B2B event aims to boost the Maldives’ visibility and strengthen its presence in these key markets. Featuring 18 co-exhibitors, including resorts, hotels, guesthouses, and travel agencies from the Maldives, the roadshow will offer a valuable platform for participants to connect with travel industry professionals, showcase their offerings, and foster potential partnerships. By doing so, it aims to increase tourism arrivals from these regions while providing insights into market trends and preferences in both countries.

“The ‘I AM Maldives Roadshow’ represents a significant milestone in our efforts to promote local island tourism in emerging markets. Azerbaijan and Georgia present exciting opportunities for our local island tourism sector. Through this initiative, we aim to connect our guesthouse operators and local tourism businesses with these promising markets, creating sustainable growth opportunities for our members,” said Abdulla Nasheed, President of NHGAM.

The roadshow will feature presentations highlighting flight connectivity from both cities to the Maldives, as well as a destination overview from Visit Maldives. Participants will also gain valuable insights into local island tourism products and opportunities, along with updates from travel agents. Attendees can look forward to 40 exciting raffle giveaways, offering lucky winners holiday packages sponsored by 18 industry partners.

As preparations for the roadshow continue, NHGAM and its partners are focused on building strong regional relationships with key stakeholders in Azerbaijan and Georgia. To facilitate cost-effective participation for the Maldives delegation, NHGAM has partnered with Air Arabia as the official travel partner. In addition, Visit Maldives will organize a media and influencer familiarization trip in partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), designed to enhance the Maldives’ visibility in the Azerbaijani market.

“Azerbaijan and Georgia are emerging as important markets for the Maldives. This roadshow is a strategic step to further strengthen our presence in these regions and introduce the unique offerings of the Maldives to a wider audience,” said Ibrahim Shiury, CEO and MD of MMPRC/Visit Maldives.

The I AM Maldives Roadshow marks the first of many market activities planned for the coming year. NHGAM’s dedication to expanding its market reach and creating sustainable growth opportunities for its members is reflected in this strategic initiative targeting emerging markets.