President’s UK trip for MMPRC-Liverpool campaign launch cost MVR 150,000

The President’s Office has disclosed the cost of a recent visit by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to the United Kingdom for the launch of a major co-branded campaign by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and Liverpool FC to promote Maldives as a tourism destination.

President Muizzu had visited the UK from April 1-5.

He was accompanied in the visit by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, Managing Director of MMPRC Ibrahim Shiuree, and other government officials.

In a brief press statement on Thursday morning, the President’s Office said it spent MVR 153,689.92 on the trip. However, the office did not provide details on how exactly the money was spent.

During the trip, President Muizzu attended the Liverpool FC vs Everton Merseyside derby at Anfield on April 2, marking the kickoff of the MMPRC-Liverpool campaign.

He also met with Maldivian students in both Liverpool and Leeds.

Other engagements included an event with Football for Peace, and a visit to his alma mater the University of Leeds. He also met with local government officials.

In March, Liverpool FC - currently ranked the top club in the English Football League – signed a multi-year global partnership with the MMPRC, making it the club’s official tourist destination partner.

According to MMPRC, the USD 2.5 million partnership agreement with Liverpool FC is expected to generate an estimated USD 200 million in tourism receipts – resulting in an annual return on investment exceeding 20 times the initial investment.

Meanwhile, Thoriq estimates the partnership will attract over 100,000 additional tourists annually – helping Maldives surpass its tourist arrivals target of 2.3 million visitors this year.