Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has opened registration for a major upcoming multi-city travel trade roadshow in India.
In a statement, MATATO said it would be participating at the Outbound Travel Roadshow (OTR) India, which would take place from March 19-22, 2018 in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. The shows in Mumbai and Delhi are expected to witness the participation of 300-350 potential buyers, while 200-250 potential buyers are expected to attend the show in Ahmedabad, it added.
MATATO invited interested parties to fill a co-exhibitor registration form and send it to its office along with the payment before 3pm on October 30.
Participation costs USD 3,800 (subject to 18 percent Goods and Services Tax) for the three cities. The fee is for one representative from each company, and cover accommodation in five-star hotels, airport transfers and intercity flights, and participation in city-specific workshops. For a second delegate, USD 1,700 for the three cities will be charged.
OTR is a trade-only event that connects buyers and suppliers of travel services and products, and provides a key forum to shape the future of the industry through networking and education. Held across the most prominent feeder cities, OTR attracts all the vanguards of travel trade industry. Attendees include key decision makers and budget holders with direct purchasing responsibility.
In addition to the India edition, similar OTR events are held in Southeast Asia and Middle East every year.
MATATO has recently opened registration for the Middle East edition as well.
India has become a major emerging source market for the Maldives’ tourism industry.
Official figures show that 66,955 tourists arrived in Maldives from its closest neighbour last year, a 27.9 percent increase from the 52,368 Indian travellers that chose the Maldives in 2015.
That growth has continued this year as well, as the number of Indian tourists that visited the Maldives recorded a 2r.3 percent increase in the past nine months of the year to reach 48,939 compared to 39,059 in the same period last year.