NHGAM holds roadshow in Azerbaijan and Georgia, garners enthusiasm for local tourism offerings

The National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM) has wrapped up the ‘I AM Maldives Roadshow’ held in two key emerging markets – Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The roadshow, held in partnership with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), took place in the Georgian capital Tbilisi and Azerbaijani capital Baku from Tuesday to Friday.

According to NHGAM, the roadshow attracted over 300 travel industry professionals across the cities, and featured productive B2B networking sessions with 18 co-exhibitors from the Maldives representing various sectors of the tourism industry.

In a statement on Saturday, NHGAM said the event marked “a milestone in establishing stronger tourism connections between the Maldives and these emerging markets.”

Ahmed Nasheed, the president of NHGAM, said the overwhelming response to the roadshow exceeded their expectations.

"The enthusiasm shown by local travel partners and their keen interest in Maldives' community island tourism products indicates strong potential for market growth in these regions,” he said.

Highlights of the roadshow included presentations on connectivity by Azerbaijan Airlines and Air Arabia, a destination presentation by MMPRC, and a showcase of community island tourism products.

The event featured more than 40 holiday packages sponsored by leading Maldivian hotels, guesthouses, and resorts.

These packages, promoting community island tourism, are collectively valued at over USD 50,000.

The giveaways not only created excitement during the roadshow but also ensured that winning travel agents would gain firsthand experience of the destination, enabling them to better sell the Maldives to their clients.

Ahmed Waheed, vice president of NHGAM, said it wasn’t just another roadshow.

"This isn't just another roadshow – it's a strategic market penetration initiative that positions local island tourism at the forefront of Maldives' tourism offerings," he said.

"By taking the lead in opening these new markets, we're creating unprecedented opportunities for our members to diversify their guest demographics."

NHGAM believes the success of the roadshow will lay a strong foundation for increasing tourism arrivals from Azerbaijan and Georgia.

“The connections established during these roadshows will contribute to diversifying the Maldives' tourism portfolio, with NHGAM leading the charge in creating sustainable growth opportunities for hotels and guesthouses across the country,” said the association.

The NHGAM is planning more roadshows, demonstrating the association's commitment to continuous market development and member support for destination promotion.

NHGAM said it is committed to supporting the growth and diversification of local tourism.