Free listing will be offered from the inaugural edition of the Maldives Travel Agents Guide, Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) announced Wednesday.
In a statement, MATATO said free listing will be offered to all local travel agencies and tour operators that are members of the association. Members should pay their annual membership fee before February 15 in order to be eligible for the free listing offer, it added.
According to MATATO, the first edition of Maldives Travel Agents Guide is expected to be released in March.
Maldives Travel Agents Guide is a handbook directory that provides detailed information about travel agents operating in the Maldives. In addition to listings of travel agents, the guide will include features and advertorials on holiday options offered by local agents.
“The purpose of this publication is to have an exclusive platform, where MATATO can exclusively feature local travel agents and their innovative travel ideas and offers that need to be showcased for the international market. This publication will also serve as business directory and catalogue for international buyers seeking for information on local agents,” MATATO said.
According to MATATO, the annual guide will be distributed at major international travel trade shows and MATATO hosted events.
MATATO already publishes an annual magazine, Maldives Finder.
First launched in 2011, Maldives Finder is distributed throughout the year at leading international travel exhibitions and events, and travel roadshows and networking events organised by MATATO. The publication is also widely circulated amongst the tourism facilities in the Maldives.
MATAO, a non-profit that supports local travel agents and tour operators through lobbying and training programmes, also organises the prestigious Maldives Travel Awards every year.