Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) and Qatar Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand joint promotion of the Maldives as a tourist destination across key international markets.
The agreement was signed during the Arabian Travel Market 2026 by VMC CEO and Managing Director Abdulla Yasir and Qatar Airways Vice President for Africa and Global Leisure Sales Hendrik Abraham Du Preez.
The partnership comes as Qatar Airways prepares to increase its flight capacity to the Maldives from next month, strengthening connections between the country and the airline’s global network.
Under the agreement, VMC and Qatar Airways will work together on destination marketing, travel trade engagement, familiarisation programmes and other promotional activities in mutually agreed markets.
Qatar Airways’ network spans six continents, giving VMC access to a broad international distribution network as it seeks to maintain visibility for the Maldives in both established and emerging tourism markets.
“Partnerships with international airlines allow us to take the Maldives directly into the markets and networks where travel decisions are being made,” Yasir said.
He said the cooperation would help strengthen engagement with the travel trade, reach new audiences and create further opportunities for tourism growth.
The signing was attended by State Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr Abdulla Niyaz, VMC Chairman Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz, Maldives Embassy in the UAE Minister Counsellor Ahmed Farih Mohamed and VMC Chief Operating Officer Sabeeha Ahmed.
The agreement forms part of VMC’s wider strategy to work with airlines and travel industry partners to expand market access, diversify tourism demand and link destination promotion with international travel networks.