Maldivian tourism companies have promoted Maldives as a tourist destination at Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF), which is Saudi Arabia's largest travel and tourism event.
Along with Maldives Association for Travel and Tour Operators (MATATO), three companies are representing Maldives in the fair. The fair will serve to connect with tourists from Middle East while at the same time promote Maldivian delicacies and products, according to MATATO.
RTF 2019 is held from March 28 to 30 at Al-Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh. The fair provided business networking opportunities, seminars and ministerial discussions. Additionally, the fair also provided an opportunity for visitors to gain first-hand information on the latest tourist offerings and special deals from around the world. Over 300 exhibitors representing more than 55 countries took part this year.
3.5% of tourist arrivals to Maldives are from Middle East while most tourists from Middle Eastern countries arrived from Saudi Arabia, according to statistics from Ministry of Tourism. In this regard, last year, 23,546 tourists arrived from Saudi Arabia which is an increase of 1.6% compared to 2017.