30 Maldivian exhibitors to take part in travel fair in Malaysia

NEW DELHI, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- About 30 exhibitors from the Maldives will take part in the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) fair, a senior official of the Maldivian national tourism agency said.

The Maldives sees Malaysia as a key growth market in East Asia in its tourism diversification drive in which visitors are encouraged to stay not just on the exclusive resort islands but on various populated islands as well.

A chain of 1,200 islands and atolls, the Maldives carries the reputation of an expensive luxury destination dotted with five-star resorts.

But the government's latest promotion efforts showcase the destination as affordable for all segments and highlight its rich culture, cuisine and heritage.

"We are known as a luxury holiday destination, but there are a lot of people who do not know about the Maldives. We have something for everybody, from budget hotels to guest houses to homestays," Sabeeha Ahmed, chief operating officer of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, told Bernama on Thursday.

At the March 22 to 24 MATTA fair in Kuala Lumpur, 25 to 30 Maldivian exhibitors will present their diversified attractions, including sports tourism and culture, she said.

The Maldives received 13,551 Malaysian tourists last year but it aims to grow this number significantly.

"Malaysia is a potential growth market for us," Sabeeha said.

-- BERNAMA