Ambassador of Maldives for Belgium and the European Union, Ahmed Shian has emphasised that the prominence of Maldives in the global tourism industry is evident, even from the first day of the World's largest tourism trade fair, Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin). The fair commenced yesterday with over 187 participants from across 5 continents. ITB Berlin provides vast opportunities through a B2B platform for industry partners to interact with visitors and expand business contacts.
While the Maldivian stand is one of the biggest displays of the whole fair, it has been well received by visitors. It is noteworthy that there is always a queue of people seeking to meet Maldivian tourism industry stakeholders.
The mere number of visitors to the stand is an achievement, said Ambassador of Maldives to European Union and Belgium, Ahmed Shian speaking with PSM News. Crediting the achievement to the collective effort of the tourism industry of Maldives, Ambassador Shian highlighted efforts by the government in maintaining the strong image of the Maldivian tourism industry during this critical time, combatting schemes to undermine the industry.
Furthermore, Ambassador Shian met with several stakeholders from different countries and held discussions about the Maldivian tourism industry. The high-level delegation from Maldives attending ITB Berlin 2018 has also conducted meetings and discussions with delegations from several countries.
Various business ventures are undertaken during the fair, according to Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). The Maldives contingent is led by a high-level delegation which includes Ambassador Ahmed Shian, Maldivian Ambassador to Germany Jameela Ali, and Acting Managing Director of MMPRC Haris Mohamed.