Maldives Tourism Sector Targets Growth in Asia with Strategic Hong Kong Industry Engagement Event
(IN SHORT) The National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives, together with Visit Maldives and MATATO, successfully held the I AM Maldives Southeast Asia Roadshow in Hong Kong, bringing together tourism stakeholders and travel professionals. The event promoted both luxury and community-based tourism offerings while strengthening business connections in a key growth market. With strong visitor growth from Greater China, the initiative supports the Maldives’ strategy to expand its presence across Asia and adapt to evolving global travel trends.
(PRESS RELEASE) HONG KONG, 2026-Apr-13 — /Travel PR News/ — National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives, in partnership with Visit Maldives and Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, has successfully concluded the I AM Maldives Southeast Asia Roadshow in Hong Kong on April 13. The event forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldives’ presence in key Asian travel markets.
The roadshow gathered 20 companies and more than 50 participants, representing a broad cross-section of the Maldivian tourism sector, including guesthouses, resorts, hotels, and travel agencies. Across two events, over 70 travel industry professionals in Hong Kong engaged in business-to-business networking sessions and destination presentations, bringing together tour operators, agents, and industry decision-makers.
A central focus of the initiative was to highlight community-based tourism and local island experiences, positioning them alongside the Maldives’ established luxury offerings. Attendees were introduced to a wide range of tourism products, including sustainable travel options, authentic cultural experiences, and diverse accommodation types available throughout the destination.
To further engage participants, more than 20 raffle prizes were distributed, featuring complimentary holiday packages at various Maldivian properties. These incentives provided travel agents with the opportunity to experience the destination firsthand, strengthening their ability to promote it to clients.
The event also underscored the growing importance of Southeast Asia as a source market for Maldivian tourism. Greater China, including Hong Kong, has recorded strong growth, with 236,877 arrivals representing a 19.6% increase, making it the leading inbound market for the Maldives.
Abdulla Nasheed, President of NHGAM, noted that shifting global travel patterns present new opportunities for destinations like the Maldives. He highlighted the Asia-Pacific region as a key area of growth, particularly as travel demand evolves in response to global uncertainties.
This latest roadshow marks the third under the I AM Maldives initiative, following earlier events in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and across Central and Eastern Europe. As NHGAM continues to expand its international outreach throughout 2026, the Southeast Asia roadshow reinforces its strategy to position the Maldives prominently among travel trade partners and consumers in emerging markets.
Media contact:
+(960) 332 3228
info@visitmaldives.com
SOURCE: Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC)
