Maldivian Tourism Roadshow Targets Growth Across Key CIS Markets

The National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM), in collaboration with the Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO), has concluded its ‘I AM Maldives’ roadshow across the CIS region. Spanning Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Almaty from September 21 to 25, 2026, the initiative brought together over 50 industry participants representing 26 Maldivian companies. The delegation included a diverse mix of guesthouse operators, luxury resorts, hotels, liveaboards, and travel agencies, all aiming to showcase the variety of Maldivian hospitality to key travel trade partners. According to VMC, the events attracted more than 250 travel professionals, including tour operators and key industry decision-makers. This direct engagement allowed the Maldivian delegation to solidify existing partnerships and forge new connections within markets that are becoming increasingly vital to the nation's economy. NHGAM President Abdulla Nasheed emphasized that the roadshow is a critical step in promoting local island tourism. He noted that the engagement in the three cities provided an essential platform for members to raise awareness about the diverse, authentic experiences available beyond traditional resorts. Adding to this, NHGAM Vice President Ahmed Waheed highlighted that the strong participation across the region underscores the strategic importance of the CIS market. He credited the roadshow for allowing the delegation to present a comprehensive range of accommodation and travel experiences to international partners. The CIS region remains a powerhouse for Maldivian tourism. Russia continues to be the second-largest source market, recording 209,815 arrivals as of September 2, 2026—a 14.6 percent share of total tourist arrivals. This follows a massive surge in 2025, where Russia saw 278,761 arrivals, marking a 23.8 percent year-on-year increase. Kazakhstan also shows promising growth, ranking 11th overall in tourist arrivals as of June 2026 with 18,602 visitors. With improving air connectivity and rising travel demand, the Maldives is positioning itself to capture further growth from these high-potential markets.