The National Hotels and Guest House Association of Maldives (NHGAM), in partnership with Visit Maldives and Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), successfully concluded the "I AM Maldives Roadshow" held from 17 to 20 December in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Baku, Azerbaijan. The event strengthened tourism ties between the Maldives and these emerging markets.
Over 300 travel professionals attended the roadshow across both cities, with 18 Maldivian co-exhibitors representing various sectors of the tourism industry. The event fostered direct business connections and highlighted the Maldives' diverse tourism offerings.
The roadshow included presentations on connectivity by Azerbaijan Airlines and Air Arabia, a destination presentation by Visit Maldives, and a showcase of community island tourism products.
More than 40 holiday packages, valued at over USD 50,000, were featured, sponsored by leading Maldivian hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. The giveaways generated excitement and allowed travel agents to experience the destination first-hand, helping them better promote the Maldives.
The roadshow marked a strategic effort to introduce local island tourism to new markets, creating valuable opportunities for NHGAM members to diversify their customer base. The success of the event paves the way for increased tourism from Azerbaijan and Georgia, contributing to the Maldives' growing tourism portfolio.
NHGAM is already planning future roadshows as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the Maldives and support sustainable growth in community-based tourism.