The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism – Berlin Edition seminar was held at ITB Berlin 2025 by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives). The seminar, which took place at Hybrid Studio 5.3 on 4th March 2025, was centered on the topic of investments and activities in the Maldivian tourist sector. The engagement, which was hosted by Ms. Sabeeha Ahmed, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MMPRC, showcased initiatives led by the government and industry to expand bookings, investigate new market niches, and support sustainable growth.
The conference, which began with an educational brief video presentation on the Maldives as a top travel destination, was attended by representatives from the German and international travel industries. Five well-known speakers from the Maldives tourist industry were featured at the event. Their insights covered a wide range of subjects, from marketing tactics and sustainable practices to government initiatives and the value of public-private sector cooperation.
Speaking first was Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, the Honourable Minister of Tourism and Environment, who gave an overview of the government’s goal while highlighting important programs, regulations, 5TMP tactics, and the link between destination development and tourism growth. He stated, “The government is committed to facilitate a conducive investment and operating environment for the tourism industry. We also recognize that our guests today are not the same as those who visited us decades ago. We need to harness developments in technology not just to improve efficiency but to build a tourism industry that is resilient, competitive, and future-ready.”
Mr. Hussain Afeef, Vice Chairman of MATI and a pioneer in the tourist industry, then gave an account of the destination’s progress, emphasizing its shift to eco-friendly tourism initiatives in product creation. He emphasized how important the private sector is to restoring the environment and promoting sustainable tourism in the Maldives.
Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, the CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC, talked about the organization’s marketing campaigns that complement national objectives and Visit Maldives’ efforts to draw in new kinds of tourists. He stated, “The Maldives has been the World’s Leading Destination for five consecutive years, and our goal is to maintain and strengthen this position. With our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and cultural tourism, MMPRC will continue to elevate the Maldives on the global stage.”
Next up was Mr. Ibrahim Khaleel, the President’s advisor on tourism development, who emphasized the value of government-private sector cooperation and the evolution of this relationship.
The MMPRC Chairperson, Mr. Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, summarized the speaker’s statements by highlighting the present traveler’s interests in the Maldives and the importance of cooperative policies and actions to draw in a variety of tourist demographics. Additionally, he talked about how media professionals may help promote the Maldives in the global travel and tourist industry, stating, “For travelers, this means every visit to the Maldives is a contribution to a sustainable future. From solar-powered resorts to marine conservation programs, visitors are not just experiencing paradise—they are part of preserving it.”
The inauguration of a new direct route between the Maldives and Germany by Maldivian, the national carrier, was one of the seminar’s most thrilling announcements. Attendees reacted enthusiastically to this initiative, which is anticipated to greatly increase travel between the two nations. Given the rising demand for travel to the Maldives, the new route will increase convenience for German tourists while fortifying the Maldives’ and Germany’s cultural and economic relations.
With a focus on sustainable practices, The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism – Berlin Edition event featured a “Save the Date” invitation and an offer of a vacation at a “World Leading Destination” for one attending journalist. It was aimed at travel industry professionals, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, hospitality partners, international travel media, and bloggers.
