Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has participated in the Ukraine International Travel Market (UITM) as part of the effort to maintain destination momentum in this market. This event was held from October 5-6 at the International Exhibition Centre in Kiev, Ukraine. Maldives was awarded the Best Island Destination in this event.
UITM serves as an effective international platform for the consolidation and communication of travel industry professionals from Ukraine and abroad. Annually, UITM unites hundreds of participating companies, hotel delegates, resorts, airlines and airports, as well as representatives of international and national tourism organizations, diplomats, government ministries and agencies, and agents of related industries from Ukraine and 20 countries. The event was attended by thousands of В2В audience from all regions of Ukraine and other countries.
During this event, MMPRC along with 4 industry partners conducted several meetings and speed networking sessions with key members of the travel trade community. Through this event MMPRC provided the travel trade professionals with the latest information about the destination, including the stringent measures in place at Maldivian products (resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards). Emphasis was also given on marketing the destination as a safe haven, focusing on the geographically scattered nature of Maldivian islands which provides natural social distancing for travelers from this market. Furthermore, MMPRC promoted the experiences unique to the Maldives and inform the attendees of the latest information relating to the destination.
The participation in UITM is conducted as part of the strategy to maintain momentum and increase arrival numbers from Ukraine. As part of this strategy, last month, MMPRC took part in the Deluxe Travel Market (Russia and CIS) event and conducted a media familiarisation trip targeting this market. Future activities planned for this market includes a webinar targeting Russia & CIS market to be held later this year.
Ukraine is the fifth top source market to the Maldives, with arrival figures growing exponentially since border reopening last year. So far this year, the Maldives has welcomed 817,387 tourists, with Ukraine contributing 3.4% of the total arrivals. By September 16, the Maldives welcomed 27,695 tourists from Ukraine.