The Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) is gearing up to host the second edition of its annual Tourism Symposium on October 1, 2025, in Malé City. The high-level gathering, themed “The Futureshapers’ Workshop”, aims to bring together government officials, industry leaders, and media representatives to deliberate on the next chapter of the Maldives’ tourism development.
Building on the success of the inaugural symposium held last year, the 2025 edition has been designed as a collaborative platform where stakeholders can exchange insights on emerging travel patterns, shifting traveller expectations, and long-term growth opportunities. With the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the event reflects the government’s efforts to ensure that Maldives tourism remains competitive in an increasingly complex global market.
The one-day programme will feature a mix of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops, all centred on data collected from pre-symposium surveys. According to VMC, these sessions are intended to guide the country’s tourism growth strategy for 2026, particularly under the “Ocean Nation” framework – a branding concept focused on positioning the Maldives as a diverse, innovative, and sustainable destination.
A key highlight of the event will be the presentation of VMC’s tentative Destination Marketing Plan for 2026, which will outline upcoming initiatives for both traditional and emerging tourism segments. Discussions will extend beyond the luxury resort model to cover niche markets such as superyacht tourism, boating tourism, guesthouse stays, and atoll-based tourism experiences. This broader scope signals a continued push to diversify the Maldives’ tourism offering while ensuring benefits reach communities across the archipelago.
The symposium will also provide an update on market performance from key source countries including India, China, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Middle East, the United States, and France. These updates will be shared during a working lunch session, offering participants a closer look at visitor trends and growth opportunities in each market.
Organisers say the day will conclude with a wrap-up session, summarising major takeaways and identifying actionable steps for both policymakers and industry players. VMC confirmed that all findings – including panel notes and survey data – will be compiled into a comprehensive report, which will directly inform the Maldives’ 2026 destination marketing strategy.
By convening the symposium, VMC aims not only to strengthen dialogue between the public and private sectors but also to reaffirm the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, the event is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping how the Maldives adapts to new opportunities and challenges in the years ahead.
