Ibrahim Shiuree: FITUR 2027 will be a key opportunity to launch the “Visit Maldives Year 2027”
FITUR 2027 will be a key opportunity to launch the “Visit Maldives Year 2027”, promote the planned initiatives and strengthen collaboration with the Spanish and European tourism industries, according to Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation. Furthermore, he outlines his country’s projects and initiatives to boost the tourism industry and highlights Spain as a “highly valued” source market.
What projects and initiatives is your country launching in 2026 to promote tourism?
In 2026, the Maldives are expanding their global marketing, their digital campaigns, their
trade relations and their partnerships with the industry, in the run-up to the Year of the Maldives 2027.
Although luxury and romance remain key features of the destination, greater attention is now being paid to wellness, diving and adventure, family holidays, the culture of the local islands and sustainable tourism.
Marketing resources are being channelled into digital content, international trade fairs,
market research and joint campaigns with airlines, tour operators and media partners.
What are the main source markets, and where do Europe and Spain rank
in the tier classification?
China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and India were among the leading
Maldives’ source markets at the end of May 2026. Europe remains the destination’s
largest source region, accounting for approximately 59% of arrivals in 2025.
Spain was ranked 16th at 31 May 2026, with 13,034 arrivals. It remains a ‘highly valued’ market, as the Maldives promote experiences beyond tourist resorts, such as wellness, adventure, culture, stays on local islands and sustainable tourism.
Are there any other significant events from 2026 that you’d like to highlight?
Despite the geopolitical turmoil affecting international air travel, the Maldives welcomed its one-millionth visitor of 2026 on 21 June. Although this took place two weeks later than in 2025, reaching this milestone in June demonstrated the industry’s resilience. It is worth noting that the one-millionth visitor was Almudena Ortuño Esparza, from Spain.
The Maldives continues to prioritise market diversification, improved connectivity and tourism experiences that benefit local communities, while protecting the country’s natural environment.
How has FITUR 2026 made a contribution, and what are your expectations for FITUR 2027?
FITUR 2026 boosted the Maldives’ profile in Spain and served as a platform for the
destination and its 25 co-exhibitors met with tourism industry partners. The contributions highlighted romance, wellness, family holidays, adventure, culture and sustainable tourism.
FITUR 2027, which is taking place from 20 to 24 January, will be the first trade fair of the year for the Maldives and an important opportunity to launch the “Visit Maldives Year 2027”, publicise the planned initiatives and strengthen collaboration with the Spanish and European tourism industries.