The Maldives will be the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, putting the island archipelago in the spotlight at one of the world’s largest travel trade fairs.
The agreement was signed during ITB Berlin 2026 by Ibrahim Shiuree, Managing Director of Visit Maldives (VMC), and Mario Tobias, chief executive of Messe Berlin, at the Maldives’ exhibition stand.
Dr Tobias said he was pleased to see the Maldives return as host country a decade after its first appearance in the role. He added that the partnership highlights both the importance of ITB Berlin as a global platform and the Maldives’ growing prominence in international tourism.
With more than 1,000 islands, turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and coral reefs, the Maldives is among the world’s best-known long-haul destinations. The country offers luxury resorts, boutique hotels and local island tourism, alongside diving, water sports, wellness retreats and cultural experiences. Officials say sustainability will remain a central theme of the country’s tourism strategy, with initiatives aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and supporting local communities.
VMC Managing Director Shiuree said the trade show would provide an important platform to highlight the range of experiences the Maldives offers travellers and industry partners around the world.
The announcement follows a recent visit to Berlin by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during which the Maldivian president met Frank Walter Steinmeier, Germany’s federal president. The visit underlined the island nation’s strategic ties with Germany and the wider international community. The Maldivian government has also declared 2027 as Visit Maldives Year 2027, a national campaign aimed at boosting global awareness of the destination through marketing initiatives, travel events and digital promotions.
As host country, the Maldives will stage the official opening gala of ITB Berlin on 15 March 2027 and present a series of cultural events, networking sessions and tourism showcases from 16 to 18 March.
Organisers say the event will provide an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with key European markets and highlight the Maldives’ tourism offer to the global travel industry.