Maldives has commenced International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM) 2018.
IMTM 2018 was officially inaugurated by Minister of Finance and Treasury Ahmed Munawar. IMTM held in Adaaran Hudhuranfushi Resort is the first ever international travel and trade fair to be held at a resort in Maldives. The fair is attended by travel industry professionals from 18 countries. It includes tour operators, travel agencies, liveaboards, dive centres and other professionals from the industry.
The fair will pave way to further enhance the tourism sector and businesses in the country, Finance Minister Ahmed Munawar said addressing the function. Noting that tourism is the source market of the Maldivian GDP with 90%, Minister Munawar said Maldivian tourism grew 11% in April this year.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of IMTM Mohamed Farshath said one main aim of the fair is providing a platform to meet and discuss mutual concerns in the country. He said IMTM is actively trying to create solutions and solve the problems that the industry is facing, especially those businesses that are trying hard to thrive but are unable to attend international fairs due to the hefty cost involved, to sustain IMTM's long term vision is to promote Maldives as an emerging world class MICE destination.
During the ceremony, PADI Maldives was inaugurated. IMTM has been endorsed by Ministry of Tourism of Maldives.