The Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025 has been acclaimed as a significant triumph, serving as a vital forum to bolster tourist arrivals to the Maldives, according to Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism and Environment. He conveyed this sentiment in a video message shared to mark the closing of the ITB Berlin fair.
Held from 4 to 6 March in Berlin, Germany, the ITB Berlin fair functions as an indispensable venue for networking with global stakeholders, fortifying business relationships, and promoting tourism products to both B2B and B2C audiences. This year marked the Maldives’ 41st participation in the ITB Berlin fair.
As the world’s premier travel trade show, ITB Berlin brings together tourism professionals and exhibitors from across the globe to showcase and discuss the latest trends and innovations in the travel industry. Representing the Maldives at ITB Berlin was a delegation of approximately 200 representatives from 89 companies.
In his video message, Minister Ibrahim underscored the considerable initiatives and efforts undertaken during the fair to elevate the Maldives as a leading tourism destination. He highlighted a seminar hosted by the Maldives, which provided comprehensive information about the nation’s tourism products to industry stakeholders.
Organised under the banner ‘The Next Chapter of Maldives Tourism—Berlin Edition,’ the seminar was spearheaded by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the nation’s principal tourism promotion board. The event focused on government and industry-led initiatives to explore new market segments, increase bookings, and promote sustainable development. It also aimed to present the future development vision for the Maldives’ tourism sector.
Stakeholders in the Maldives’ tourism sector, including tour agents and tour operators, also shared valuable information about the nation’s tourism products with visitors and other businesses attending the event, according to Minister Ibrahim. Highlighting the significance of the fair, Minister Ibrahim noted, “This fair is the largest of its kind, attracting the highest number of visitors from Germany and neighbouring countries. The opportunity for business-to-business engagement is considerable.”
Minister Ibrahim also noted that discussions were held with various international travel agents and tour operators during the ITB Berlin fair. These included meetings with international airlines operating flights to the Maldives, tour operators, and tour agencies.
In addition, Minister Ibrahim met with several pioneers of the Maldives’ tourism sector who were present at the fair, alongside various companies and tourism sector stakeholders. The discussions at these meetings focused on future efforts required to promote the Maldives’ tourism sector and its status as a premier tourism destination.
In his video message, Minister Ibrahim also spoke about President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to further advance and develop the Maldives’ tourism sector. He described the arrival of over two million tourists in 2024, a record for the Maldives, as a significant achievement aligned with President Dr Muizzu’s vision.
Looking ahead, Minister Ibrahim expressed optimism about achieving the national arrival target of 2.3 million visitors for this year. To reach this goal, the government, in collaboration with MMPRC and tourism sector stakeholders, plans to undertake numerous marketing and promotional activities worldwide to promote the Maldives’ tourism products.
Source: PSM NEWS
