NHGAM concludes Southeast Asia roadshow in Hong Kong, boosting Maldives promotion

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 its “I AM Maldives” Southeast Asia Roadshow in Hong Kong.

The final leg of the roadshow, held on April 13, brought together 20 companies and more than 50 participants representing a cross-section of the Maldivian tourism industry, including guesthouses, resorts, hotels and travel agencies.

Over two events, more than 70 travel trade professionals in Hong Kong — including tour operators, travel agents and key decision-makers — took part in business-to-business networking sessions and presentations aimed at strengthening partnerships and market presence.

NHGAM said the roadshow placed a strong emphasis on promoting community-led tourism and local island experiences, while also showcasing the Maldives’ broader tourism offerings. Participants were introduced to a range of products, from sustainable tourism initiatives and authentic local experiences to luxury resort stays and diverse accommodation and activity options across the country.

As part of the engagement, more than 20 raffle prizes — including complimentary holiday packages at Maldivian guesthouses and resorts — were awarded to attending agents, offering them first-hand experience of the destination.

Industry participants expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the event and highlighted the value of the business connections formed during the sessions.

NHGAM noted that Southeast Asia continues to present strong growth potential for Maldivian tourism. Arrivals from Greater China, including Hong Kong, reached 236,877 — a 19.6 percent increase — making it the Maldives’ top source market.

Speaking at the event, NHGAM President Abdulla Nasheed said shifting global travel patterns present new opportunities for destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We meet today at a time of uncertainty in the world. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted travel flows and reshaped source markets; however, the world has not stopped traveling—it has simply started traveling differently. In that shift lies opportunity for destinations like ours. The Asia-Pacific region is at the center of these opportunities,” he said.

The Hong Kong event marks the third successful international roadshow under the “I AM Maldives” brand, following earlier campaigns in Georgia, Azerbaijan and parts of Central and Eastern Europe.

NHGAM said the initiative reflects its broader strategy to expand the Maldives’ presence in key Asian markets and keep the destination top-of-mind among travel trade partners and travellers in the region.