Maldives Revives Maldivian Night and Global Press Briefing at ITB Berlin 2026

The Maldives will reintroduce its flagship Maldivian Night and host a high-level international press conference at ITB Berlin 2026, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen global market positioning ahead of Visit Maldives Year 2027. The expanded engagement signals a more assertive marketing push by Visit Maldives Corporation at one of the world’s most influential travel trade platforms.

ITB Berlin will be held from March 3 to 5 at Messe Berlin, drawing thousands of travel professionals, airlines, hospitality brands and media from across the globe. The Maldives’ participation this year goes beyond a conventional trade exhibition presence, reflecting a coordinated effort to deepen partnerships and elevate brand visibility in key source markets.

The revival of the Maldivian Night marks a notable return to the destination’s global engagement calendar. Designed as an invitation-only event, the gathering will bring together leading tour operators, airline partners, travel trade executives, and international media representatives. The evening is expected to showcase Maldivian hospitality, culture and product innovation while providing a networking platform for high-level industry dialogue.

The event will be co-hosted in partnership with Bank of Maldives, which will use the platform to unveil BML Swipe, a digital payment solution aimed at enhancing transaction convenience across the islands. The introduction of the payment system aligns with broader efforts to improve visitor experience through financial technology integration, particularly as the country prepares for Visit Maldives Year 2027.

In addition to the networking event, Visit Maldives will convene an international press conference at ITB Berlin 2026. Officials have indicated that a major announcement will be made to the global travel industry, although specific details have not yet been disclosed. Industry observers expect the announcement to outline the next phase of the Maldives’ tourism strategy beyond the Visit Maldives Year 2027 initiative.

The Maldives will also operate a national pavilion under its long-standing brand “Maldives… The Sunny Side of Life,” with representation from resorts, guesthouses, liveaboard operators, and other tourism stakeholders. The objective is to strengthen B2B engagement, reinforce airline and tour operator partnerships, and drive sustainable growth in arrivals.

“I TB Berlin is a cornerstone of our global marketing efforts,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation. “The return of the Maldivian Night and the international press conference reflects our renewed ambition and confidence. This year, we are not only celebrating our partnerships but also preparing to share a bold vision for the future of Maldives tourism.”

Europe remains central to the Maldives’ tourism performance. In 2025, Germany ranked among the country’s top source markets with 167,822 arrivals. Switzerland and Austria also maintained strong positions within the top 15 markets. The German-speaking region has historically demonstrated resilience and high average spending, making it a strategic focus for sustained market share.

Visit Maldives has continued to tailor its campaigns to European traveler preferences, with targeted promotion of diving, wellness, family travel and sustainability initiatives. As competition intensifies among premium island destinations, maintaining brand differentiation and consistent trade engagement has become increasingly critical.

The decision to reinstate high-profile events at ITB Berlin reflects confidence in market recovery and a strategic pivot toward deeper institutional partnerships. For the Maldives’ tourism-dependent economy, strengthening relationships in core European markets and modernising visitor services will be central to sustaining revenue growth, enhancing competitiveness and ensuring resilience as the country moves toward its long-term tourism vision.