The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation Limited (MMPRC) has hosted a seminar titled The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism - Berlin Edition at ITB Berlin 2025.
Held on 4 March, the seminar focused on discussing initiatives and investments in the Maldivian tourism industry. Key speakers included the Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, MMPRC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ibrahim Shiuree, industry pioneer Hussain Afeef, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development Ibrahim Khaleel and MMPRC’s Chairperson Abdulla Giyas Riyaz. Discussions highlighted government and industry-led efforts to explore new market segments, increase bookings, and promote sustainable development.
Addressing at the event, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, provided insights into the government's vision while emphasizing key initiatives, policies, 5TMP strategies, and the connection between tourism expansion and destination development. The government is committed to facilitate a conducive investment and operating environment for the tourism industry, while also recognising that guests today are not the same as those who visited decades ago, he stated. He expressed the need to harness developments in technology not just to improve efficiency but to build a tourism industry that is resilient, competitive, and future-ready.
At the event, tourism industry pioneer and Vice Chairman of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Hussain Afeef shared the story of the destination's evolution, focusing on its transition to environmentally conscious tourism initiatives in product development. He highlighted the pivotal role of the private sector in giving back to nature and enhancing sustainable practices in the Maldives tourism sector.
MMPRC’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree, discussed MMPRC’s marketing initiatives that align with national goals and the work undertaken by Visit Maldives to attract new types of travellers. He highlighted that while the Maldives has been the World’s Leading Destination for five consecutive years, the goal is to maintain and strengthen this position. With MMPRC’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and cultural tourism, the corporation will continue to elevate the Maldives on the global stage, he added.
Advisor to the President on Tourism Development, Ibrahim Khaleel, underscored the importance of collaborative policies and efforts between the private sector and the government and how this partnership has developed.
The speaker statements were rounded up by MMPRC’s Chairperson, Abdulla Giyas Riyaz, who highlighted the interests of the current traveller to the Maldives and the significance of collaborative policies and initiatives to attract diverse visitor segments. He also discussed the role of media representatives in promoting the Maldives in the international travel and tourism landscape.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of a new direct flight route between the Maldives and Germany by the national carrier, Maldivian. This development is expected to significantly boost tourism between the two countries. The new route will provide greater convenience for German travelers with the growing demand for travel to the Maldives and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the Maldives and Germany.