News Desk
MOSCOW, Russia — Maldivian tourism authorities and industry representatives launched the “Maldives CIS Region” roadshow in Moscow, kicking off a targeted promotional push across top Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets.
Organized by the National Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM) alongside Visit Maldives (VMC) and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), the Moscow leg serves as the first stop in a multi-city series. Subsequent events are scheduled for Saint Petersburg on September 23 and Almaty, Kazakhstan on September 25.
A 50-member Maldivian delegation representing 26 industry companies—spanning guesthouses, resorts, hotels, liveaboards, and travel agencies—is participating in the roadshow to drive trade ties and boost local island tourism.
More than 90 travel professionals, including major Russian tour operators and agents, attended the networking sessions and presentations in Moscow. During the event, NHGAM President Abdulla Nasheed officially released the 2026–2027 edition of the magazine.
According to Visit Maldives, the roadshow aims to promote the Maldives’ diverse tourism portfolio, with a special focus on expanding local island guesthouse tourism. The campaign highlights island life experiences, sustainable tourism practices, and luxury resort offerings to CIS travel buyers.
The CIS region remains a primary source market for the Maldivian tourism sector. Official figures show Russia sent 278,761 tourists to the Maldives in 2023, reflecting a 23.8% increase over the previous year. Russia maintains its position as the second-largest source market for Maldivian tourism, generating 209,815 arrivals—14.6% of total visitors—as of early September. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan contributed 18,602 arrivals through June, signaling steady growth from Central Asia.
The Moscow event marks the third roadshow under the promotional banner. Previous editions targeted Georgia and Azerbaijan, followed by promotional legs in Romania, Poland, and the Czech Republic in 2025, as well as Hong Kong and Malaysia in early 2026. Organizers plan to extend the promotional circuit to 11 countries, including further events in Russia and Ukraine.
