Visit Maldives becomes Mumbai Indians’ official tourist destination partner

Visit Maldives has signed a partnership deal with top Indian cricket team Mumbai Indians as the official tourist destination partner for the upcoming 2025 season.

The partnership was announced by Visit Maldives in a statement on Thursday.

According to the Maldives tourism promotion board, its partnership with Mumbai Indians marks the first such partnership in India, and reinforces the Maldives' commitment to strengthening its presence in one of its most important source markets.

As the second most-watched sport in the world, cricket boasts an audience with high disposable income, making this partnership a strategic move to elevate the Maldives' brand among Indian and international travelers.

Five-time IPL and two-time CLT20 champions, Mumbai Indians are expected to play a crucial role in helping the Visit Maldives achieve its target to attract 200,000 Indian tourists this year by amplifying brand awareness, and create a sense of anticipation and excitement across various Indian cities.

Visit Maldives plans to launch engaging campaigns with Mumbai Indians, including digital promotions, on-ground activations, and exclusive experiences that highlight the Maldives as the ultimate luxury travel destination. Cricket fans and travelers alike will get the opportunity to explore the Maldives’ pristine beaches, world-class resorts, and unparalleled hospitality.

“This partnership with Mumbai Indians is a milestone moment for us,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, the CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives.

“Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of millions in India, the Maldives, and beyond. By aligning with one of the most iconic Indian cricket teams, we are confident that we can inspire more Indian travelers to choose the Maldives as their preferred holiday destination.”

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said, “Cricket and holidays are all about creating memories that last a lifetime. We look forward to the partnership with Visit Maldives and showcase the destination to our global fans across the world.”

Rohit Sharma, the captain of Mumbai Indians and captain of Indian cricket team in Test and ODI formats, had visited the Maldives last week for a short vacation with his family after leading India to Champions Trophy glory in Dubai.

He shared a heartfelt photo featuring his wife and daughter from the vacation, captioning it "pure bliss".

The Maldives remains a sought-after destination for Indian tourists, offering luxurious stays, unique experiences, and seamless connectivity via multiple weekly direct flights from different Indian cities.

This strategic alliance with the Mumbai Indians cricket team is expected to further elevate the Maldives' reputation as a leading travel destination for Indian tourists and strengthen its market positioning within the Indian tourism industry.

Visit Maldives’ partnership with Mumbai Indians comes less than a week after the tourism board scored a similar deal with top EPL football team, Liverpool FC. It also comes after the board signed award-winning Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano is their global ambassador.