Published on
March 5, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Image generated with Ai
The Maldives joins Angola, Albania, Oman, Georgia, Malaysia and other countries in becoming Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, promising a powerful global tourism spotlight, and this new update is here with major implications for the international travel industry. The announcement that Maldives joins Angola, Albania, Oman, Georgia, Malaysia and other countries in becoming Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027 signals a significant moment for global tourism collaboration and destination promotion. As the Maldives prepares to take centre stage at ITB Berlin 2027, the global travel community is already watching closely.
Because Maldives joins Angola, Albania, Oman, Georgia, Malaysia and other countries in becoming Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, the island nation is set to unlock a global tourism spotlight unlike any other. ITB Berlin remains the world’s leading travel trade show, and when the Maldives joins Angola, Albania, Oman, Georgia, Malaysia and other countries in becoming Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, the impact stretches far beyond one destination. Instead, it reshapes conversations about long-haul travel, luxury island tourism, sustainable tourism, and international travel partnerships.
Now this new update is here, and the tourism world is reacting quickly. The Maldives promises a global tourism spotlight through ITB Berlin 2027, and the industry wants to know how the Maldives will present its islands, culture, sustainability, and tourism innovation. Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore the full story, because this announcement could redefine how destinations compete for global tourism attention.
The Maldives is preparing to step into the global tourism spotlight once again after being officially announced as the Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, one of the world’s most influential travel trade events. The island nation in the Indian Ocean will use this prestigious platform to showcase its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and growing commitment to sustainable tourism to thousands of travel professionals and decision-makers from around the world.
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The announcement was formalised during ITB Berlin 2026, where senior tourism leaders from both organisations gathered to sign the official agreement. The ceremony marked the beginning of a renewed partnership between the Maldives and Messe Berlin, highlighting the island nation’s continued importance in the global travel industry and its ambition to strengthen ties with European tourism markets.
Strategic Partnership Announced at ITB Berlin 2026
The agreement confirming the Maldives as the host nation for ITB Berlin 2027 was signed during a special ceremony at the Maldives exhibition stand in Hall 5.2 of the trade show venue.
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The document was signed by Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives (MMPRC), and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures from both organisations, symbolising a strategic collaboration designed to elevate the Maldives’ global tourism presence.
Among those present at the ceremony were:
- Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairperson of Visit Maldives Corporation
- Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives
- Deborah Rothe, Director of ITB Berlin
- Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin
- David Ruetz, Senior Vice President of Messe Berlin
The partnership marks the second time the Maldives will serve as Host Country for ITB Berlin, returning to the role a decade after its first appearance. According to Messe Berlin leadership, the selection reflects both the destination’s popularity among international travellers and its importance to the tourism industry.
Dr. Mario Tobias highlighted that the collaboration emphasises the global role of ITB Berlin as a platform for tourism innovation and international partnerships. The event, he noted, provides destinations with an unmatched opportunity to showcase their tourism potential to global travel buyers, airlines, tour operators, and media organisations.
A Global Tourism Showcase for the Maldives
The Maldives has long been recognised as one of the world’s most iconic long-haul travel destinations. Spread across more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, the archipelago is globally associated with crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs, and powder-white beaches.
Its tourism industry has developed into a globally recognised model for luxury island hospitality, offering private villas, overwater resorts, and personalised guest experiences that attract high-value travellers from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
As Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, the Maldives plans to highlight the full breadth of its tourism offering. This includes not only luxury resorts but also emerging segments that reflect a more diverse visitor experience.
Tourism experiences expected to be promoted include:
- Luxury island resorts and private villas
- Boutique island guesthouses
- Diving and marine exploration experiences
- Water sports and adventure tourism
- Wellness retreats and spa tourism
- Cultural encounters on inhabited islands
By presenting these diverse offerings, the Maldives aims to reinforce its reputation as a destination that appeals to multiple traveller segments—from honeymooners and luxury seekers to eco-tourists and cultural explorers.
Sustainability at the Core of Tourism Development
A key theme expected to dominate the Maldives’ presentation at ITB Berlin 2027 is sustainable tourism development.
As a low-lying island nation vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels, the Maldives has positioned sustainability as a central pillar of its tourism strategy. The government and tourism authorities have introduced several initiatives designed to protect marine ecosystems and maintain environmental balance while supporting economic growth.
These initiatives include:
- Coral reef conservation projects
- Marine biodiversity protection programmes
- Waste management and recycling initiatives
- Renewable energy adoption in island resorts
- Community-based tourism initiatives
Industry leaders believe that showcasing these sustainability efforts at ITB Berlin will strengthen the Maldives’ position as a responsible tourism destination committed to protecting its natural resources.
“Visit Maldives Year” to Amplify Global Promotion
The hosting of ITB Berlin 2027 coincides with a major national tourism campaign known as “Visit Maldives Year.”
Announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the initiative is designed to significantly elevate the country’s tourism profile through a coordinated global marketing campaign. The programme will combine international promotions, trade partnerships, and targeted marketing strategies to attract travellers from key source markets.
The campaign aims to emphasise three core themes:
- The Maldives’ unique natural beauty
- The country’s cultural heritage and island traditions
- The exceptional hospitality offered by local communities and resorts
Through global marketing campaigns, digital outreach, roadshows, and participation in major travel events, the initiative seeks to strengthen the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most desirable long-haul destinations.
Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, contributing a significant portion of national GDP and employment. Therefore, expanding visitor numbers and strengthening global brand recognition are seen as critical economic priorities.
Growing Diplomatic and Tourism Ties with Europe
The announcement of the Maldives as Host Country also follows a recent diplomatic milestone between Germany and the island nation. Only weeks before ITB Berlin 2026, the Maldivian President visited Berlin for a historic meeting with the German Federal President.
The visit underscored the growing strategic relationship between the Maldives and Germany, particularly in the areas of tourism cooperation, sustainability, and economic development.
Germany has long been one of the most important European tourism markets for the Maldives, with thousands of German travellers visiting the islands each year. Hosting ITB Berlin 2027 will therefore provide an ideal opportunity for the Maldives to strengthen its visibility within the German market and across the wider European travel industry.
What to Expect at ITB Berlin 2027
As Host Country, the Maldives will play a central role in shaping the experience of ITB Berlin 2027.
The official opening gala will take place on 15 March 2027, offering a cultural introduction to the Maldives through music, performances, and visual storytelling designed to reflect the nation’s heritage and traditions.
The main exhibition will run from 16 to 18 March 2027, during which visitors can expect a strong Maldivian presence throughout the event.
Planned highlights include:
- A large national exhibition stand
- Cultural performances and artistic showcases
- Tourism networking events
- Media and press activities
- Tourism product presentations
Through these activities, the Maldives aims to connect directly with travel industry stakeholders, strengthen partnerships with tour operators and airlines, and generate new travel demand across global markets.
ITB Berlin’s Enduring Role in Global Tourism
Since its founding in 1966, ITB Berlin has evolved into the world’s most influential travel trade show, attracting thousands of exhibitors and industry professionals each year.
The event functions as a central hub where destinations, airlines, hotels, tourism boards, technology providers, and travel companies gather to showcase innovations and build strategic partnerships.
The ITB Berlin Convention, which runs alongside the exhibition, brings together hundreds of industry experts from business, politics, and academia to discuss emerging trends shaping the future of global tourism.
Recent editions of the event have drawn around 100,000 visitors and nearly 6,000 exhibitors representing more than 170 countries, demonstrating the enormous scale and influence of the platform.
The hosting role therefore offers destinations a unique opportunity to command global attention and reinforce their position within the competitive tourism landscape.
Maldives Positioned for a Global Tourism Moment
By taking on the Host Country role at ITB Berlin 2027, the Maldives is positioning itself for one of the most significant tourism promotion moments in its history.
The combination of the Visit Maldives Year campaign, increased international marketing, and the global visibility offered by ITB Berlin creates a powerful opportunity for the island nation to reinforce its status as a premier travel destination.
For tourism leaders in the Maldives, the event represents more than a trade exhibition—it is an opportunity to demonstrate how a destination built on natural beauty can balance growth, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.
As the global tourism industry continues to evolve, the Maldives aims to use this platform to inspire travellers, strengthen industry partnerships, and ensure that the world’s eyes remain firmly fixed on its spectacular islands in the Indian Ocean.
