Booking.com, a leading global digital travel platform, and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination.
According to a joint press release from Booking.com and MMPRC, the collaboration aims to leverage Booking.com’s global reach and marketing expertise to highlight the Maldives’ stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse experiences. This partnership is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region.
The MoU, effective from 1 March 2025 to 1 March 2027, establishes a framework for several joint initiatives, campaigns, and strategic partnerships. These efforts will focus on increasing tourist arrivals through innovative marketing strategies, enhancing the visibility of the Maldives' tourism offerings on Booking.com, developing joint marketing campaigns, conducting skill-building workshops for accommodation providers, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
“The partnership with Booking.com is a crucial step in showcasing the Maldives' beauty and diversity globally, particularly highlighting our unique attractions beyond the traditional appeal,” stated Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC.
“By leveraging Booking.com's extensive network and digital marketing capabilities, we aim to significantly boost visitor numbers and drive tourism growth. This collaboration will also enable us to reach a broader global audience, effectively positioning the Maldives as a multifaceted destination,” Shiuree added.
Booking.com will contribute to the partnership by providing supply chain optimisation training to accommodation partners and MMPRC staff. The company will also support MMPRC's marketing campaigns with engaging promotional activities, share travel trend insights (in compliance with data privacy regulations) to inform promotional strategies, and actively promote sustainable tourism practices in line with MMPRC's goals.
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. "We are delighted to partner with MMPRC to promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination,” he said.
“The Maldives offers an unparalleled travel experience, and we are committed to leveraging our platform and resources to showcase its unique attractions to travellers worldwide. We are particularly excited to support local accommodation partners through training and skill-building initiatives, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Maldivian tourism sector,” Kumar remarked.