The second edition of Maldives Getaways’ international travel trade show, the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), is all set to commence on May 1 this year. The only platform to connect the travel trade community of the Maldives to a global network of travel professionals from resort properties and international trade agencies, the event aims to facilitate the tourism industry to reach the ultimate target of two million tourists with over $3.5 billion in receipts by the end of 2020.

Discussing the reasons behind conducting TTM, Fraath Mohamed, Chief Operating Officer, Maldives Getaways said, “The whole aspect behind TTM was to bring agents and resorts on one platform for them to network and create business for the industry. This has never been done in Maldives, and we are doing it for the first time. Last year, the event was a success through and through; we hope to get better results this year as well.”

On the aspect of positioning Maldives as a travel destination with regards to competitors like Seychelles and Mauritius that have similar locales, Mr. Mohamed said that the country’s tourism supply side is growing rapidly. “We do have similarities with Seychelles, but there are differences as well. The budget travel market is growing, and Maldives already has 600 guest houses, which we hope will grow up to 1000 by 2020. More resorts are coming in and are expected to open this year. As a marketing and PR firm, it is our responsibility to grow these markets collectively. Hence we are focusing on the resorts and guesthouses through this event.”

Watch the full video here:

The three-day event will have the Hotelier Summit which would see over 150 tourism professionals meet in one place to discuss the future of tourism in the Maldives. The Tourism Career Fair will see resorts, leading hotel chains and service providers in Maldives exhibit their products. The goal of the career fair is to give job seekers, students, employers, training institutions and government agencies a place to network.

The highlight of the event is the Maldives Dive Expo, a world-class platform for industry players to better engage with each other, connect with suppliers and dive operators along with the existing dive schools.

The post Fraath Mohamed, COO of Maldives Getaways, on what the industry can expect from TTM 2018 appeared first on TravHQ.

The second edition of Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) is all set to kick-start in May, promising to bring together a global network of travel professionals from resort properties and international trade agencies, including leading travel operators and travel agents, media partners, international airlines and key industry stakeholders, on one platform.

Here are the top reasons why you should be heading to TTM this year-

#1. The only event exclusive to Maldives

This is the only travel trade show in the world exclusively dedicated to selling Maldives. Additionally, as part of the event this year, the Maldives Dive Expo has also been announced for 2nd and 3rd May, 2018. The Expo aims to create a world-class platform for industry players to better engage with each other, connect with suppliers and dive operators, along with the existing dive schools.

#2. Build a strong online presence

By registering for the vent, get a chance to complete your company profile, including images, videos and press releases, for buyers and travel professionals to view and choose from.

#3. Intense PR exposure

You will have the opportunity to work with TTM’s PR team to widen the reach of your brand message and stories, thus targeting your key markets in the most efficient way.

#4. Network with the media

Meet and greet with journalists and bloggers from top travel publications and get your brand worldwide exposure.

#5. Connect with buyers before the event

The exclusive Connect software will allow you to search and connect with buyers, visitors and other exhibitors, even before the event begins.

The first edition of TTM in 2017 had witnessed a gathering of over 400 industry professionals. Registered users conducted over 3,000 pre-scheduled meetings with the most influential decision makers in the industry for two days, discussing close to $1 billion worth of contracts.

The TTM 2018 event has been extended to a 3-day event to increase the number of pre-scheduled meetings among exhibitors and agents alike. More than 150 properties from Maldives are expected to participate, while over 200 operators, agents and media are expected to be in Maldives for this event. The registration for the event ends on February 15, 2018.

The post 5 reasons why you should attend Travel Trade Maldives 2018 appeared first on TravHQ.