NHGAM Concludes Successful Southeast Asia Roadshow Promoting Maldives in Kuala Lumpur

The National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM), in collaboration with Visit Maldives and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), has successfully concluded the “I AM Maldives” Southeast Asia Roadshow in Kuala Lumpur on April 15, 2026.

The roadshow brought together 20 companies and over 50 participants, representing the full diversity of Maldivian tourism, including guesthouses, resorts, hotels and travel agencies. Across two events, more than 70 travel trade professionals participated in business-to-business (B2B) networking sessions and destination presentations. Attendees included tour operators, travel agents and key industry decision-makers from across the region.

The event featured a message from the Maldives High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Dr. Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed, delivered by Trade Representative H.E. Mr. Abbas Adil Riza. Members of the Maldives Embassy in Malaysia were also in attendance. Adding a cultural touch, Maldivian students based in Malaysia performed a traditional showcase during the programme.

NHGAM used the platform to promote community-led and local island tourism, while also highlighting the Maldives’ full range of travel offerings. Travel trade professionals gained insights into authentic local island experiences, sustainable tourism practices, luxury resort products, and the wide variety of accommodation and activities available across the destination.

As part of the engagement, around 30 raffle prizes were awarded, including complimentary holiday packages featuring stays at Maldivian guesthouses and resorts. These incentives are expected to encourage travel agents to experience the destination firsthand and strengthen future sales.

Participants expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the event and the quality of networking opportunities, noting the value of direct engagement with Maldivian industry stakeholders.

Southeast Asia continues to emerge as a key growth market for Maldivian tourism. Malaysia recorded a notable 54.1 percent increase in visitor arrivals, reaching 14,713 tourists. The wider Southeast Asian region contributed 45,003 visitors, marking an 8.9 percent growth and accounting for a 3.0 percent share of total arrivals.

“This roadshow reflects the growing appetite for authentic Maldivian experiences, equipping travel agents with the knowledge to connect travellers with our local communities and natural beauty,” said Abdulla Nasheed, President of NHGAM.

The Kuala Lumpur event marks the third successful roadshow under the “I AM Maldives” brand, following earlier initiatives in Georgia and Azerbaijan, and most recently across Central and Eastern Europe. The continued expansion underscores NHGAM’s commitment to strengthening the Maldives’ presence in emerging markets and ensuring the destination remains top-of-mind among travel trade partners and travellers across Asia.