On October 16th 2024, the DATA Forum 2024 (Destination Advancement Through Analytics), a groundbreaking event devoted to developing data and intelligence in the tourism sector, was hosted for the first time in the Maldives. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) and E-Tourism Frontiers, a global initiative to promote internet travel in developing nations globally, co-hosted the one-day event. Key participants from the global tourism data industry came together at the summit to exchange ideas on how to improve consumer engagement, destination management, and operational efficiency in the travel and tourism industry.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of MMPRC, gave the opening comments and greeted guests to the Maldives. Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, the MMPRC Chairperson, also gave a powerful speech to the audience on “The Importance of Data in the Tourism Sector,” emphasising how data-driven choices are influencing travel in the future.
Several of the top travel data analytics firms in the globe attended the DATA Forum 2024 event. Each speaker provided insightful commentary on global tourism trends and analytics. They represented E-Tourism Frontiers, Tourism Economics Oxford, Union Pay, Meltwater, ForwardKeys, Adara, Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Amadeus, and EmarketingEye.
Presentations during the morning sessions were thought-provoking. The CEO of E-Tourism Frontiers, Sarah Mathews, stood out for her engaging presentation on the pervasiveness of data in contemporary travel (Data, Data Everywhere). Hu Binghan of Union Pay talked on the revival of Chinese outbound travel and international spending trends, while Michael Shoory of Tourism Economics Oxford examined the state of the world economy.
Experts like Olivier Ponti from Forward Keys talked about forecasting traveller behaviour during the afternoon sessions, and Bharat Nagpal from Adara looked at efficient methods of using data to gauge performance. Tripadvisor’s Calvin Koh talked about how user-generated content influences travel choices.
This conference focused on the use of data by travel destinations, especially the Maldives, to maintain their competitive edge in a quickly changing market. In order to assist businesses in forecasting future travel patterns, economic effects, and customer engagement tactics, it offered real-time insights on worldwide travel trends. It also demonstrated how the tourist industry can develop by using data to educate and guide choices.
A panel on the future of travel and data brought the day to a close, laying the groundwork for continued innovation in the travel industry using data-driven strategies. Attendees had the opportunity to network and talk about potential future partnerships.
DATA Forum 2024 was held at the picturesque Bandos Maldives resort and it effectively highlighted the Maldives’ outstanding MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) offerings. The picturesque setting aptly demonstrated the Maldives’ capacity to provide unmatched chances to blend business gatherings with leisure and scenic beauty.
DATA Forum 2024’s sponsors, State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) as Gold Sponsor, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) as Silver Sponsor, Jalboot as Transportation Partner, and Maagiri Hotel as the official hotel partner, were crucial to the success of the DATA conference. Maldives Moments and the State Trading Organisation (STO) provided further assistance for the event, which was powered by Dhiraagu as the Digital Partner.
This historic occasion established a new benchmark for Maldivian tourism analytics going forward, giving travel and tourism industry professionals the skills and information they need to maximise data’s potential to grow their companies. Additionally, it helped establish the groundwork for future partnerships and developments, guaranteeing that data would continue to propel the expansion and prosperity of Maldivian tourism.
