The National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM), in partnership with Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), has concluded the 'I AM Maldives' roadshow across three Central and Eastern European capitals, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Prague, from 17 to 21 November 2025.
NHGAM said the initiative convened 26 properties, encompassing resorts, hotels, guesthouses, liveaboards, and travel agents, to represent the full spectrum of Maldivian tourism. More than 150 travel professionals from Poland, together with agents from Romania and the Czech Republic, participated in B2B networking sessions and presentations highlighting community-led tourism initiatives.
The association highlighted its objective of positioning community-led tourism as a central theme across the region, while also presenting the breadth of Maldivian tourism products. Agents were introduced to authentic local island experiences, sustainable tourism practices, luxury resort offerings, and the diverse range of accommodation and activity options available throughout the Maldives.
To reinforce these efforts, 42 raffle prizes were awarded across the three cities, including complimentary holiday packages intended to provide winning agents with firsthand experience of the destination. NHGAM noted that industry participants expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the events and the business connections established.
"The success of this roadshow demonstrates the growing interest in authentic Maldivian experiences," said Abdulla Nasheed, President of NHGAM. "Travel agents are now equipped with detailed knowledge about community-led tourism options, which opens new opportunities for travellers seeking genuine cultural connections alongside our renowned natural beauty."
The Central and Eastern European market represents significant growth potential for Maldivian tourism. As of the end of September 2025, Poland contributed 23,089 arrivals, the Czech Republic 17,779 arrivals, and Romania 13,824 arrivals. NHGAM said it continues to actively promote the destination across emerging markets in support of the national tourism arrival target of 2.3 million visitors in 2025.
This marks the second successful roadshow under the 'I AM Maldives' brand, following last year’s initiative in Georgia and Azerbaijan. NHGAM confirmed that new promotional activities are planned for the coming year, reinforcing the association’s commitment to expanding the Maldives’ presence in markets worldwide.