Visit Maldives has signed agreements with Qatar Airways and Emirates to promote the Maldives through joint marketing and tourism industry activities.

According to a statement issued by Visit Maldives following its participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the agreements will facilitate collaboration on advertising, travel trade activities and familiarization programmes.

Visit Maldives said its agreement with Qatar Airways comes as the airline prepares to increase its flights to the Maldives from October. The agreement is expected to support connectivity to the Maldives via Doha and promote the destination through Qatar Airways’ international network.

Visit Maldives Managing Director Abdulla Yasir said participation in ATM had increased the promotion of the Maldives in Middle Eastern markets.

The Middle East remains an important tourism market for the Maldives, with Visit Maldives identifying the UAE and Saudi Arabia as markets with further growth potential.

The organization said Gulf aviation hubs also play an important role in connecting travelers from Europe and other international markets to the Maldives.

The ATM was attended by 165 representatives from 74 tourism-related companies, along with representatives from Visit Maldives, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Maldivian Embassy in the UAE.