Maldives Steps Up Tourism Engagement With China During Beijing Visit

Visit Maldives has stepped up efforts to promote the Maldives in the Chinese market through a series of high-level meetings and industry engagements in Beijing, aimed at strengthening partnerships and expanding collaboration with key tourism stakeholders.

The engagements took place as part of the Maldivian government’s official visit to China, with Visit Maldives joining representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in meetings with tourism organisations, travel trade partners and industry leaders.

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One of the key meetings was held with the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), an international organisation that connects tourism cities and institutions worldwide. Discussions focused on strengthening the Maldives’ engagement within the federation and exploring opportunities to build long-term partnerships that support the development of the country’s tourism sector.

The Maldivian delegation also met with Cross Horizons, a consultancy specialising in destination marketing and cultural exchange between international destinations and China’s travel industry. According to Visit Maldives, discussions centred on potential promotional campaigns and collaborative initiatives aimed at bringing the Maldives closer to Chinese travellers and travel trade partners.

In addition to the meetings, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Visit Maldives hosted a high-level networking event in Beijing, bringing together tour operators, airlines, travel media and industry leaders.

Tonight, in Beijing, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and Visit Maldives Corporation hosted a high-level networking event bringing together tour operators, airlines, travel media and industry leaders. State Minister Haris Mohamed welcomed guests with a destination… pic.twitter.com/mwUC4jVEq7— Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (@MoTmv) July 3, 2026

State Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Haris Mohamed welcomed attendees with a destination presentation showcasing the experiences available across the Maldives for Chinese visitors.

According to Visit Maldives, the networking event provided an opportunity to deepen trade relationships, strengthen collaboration with the Chinese travel industry and highlight the Maldives’ tourism offerings.

Speaking to MV+, Visit Maldives Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Shiuree said the delegation had spent the past three days participating in several high-level engagements in Beijing.

Shiuree said the delegation would next travel to Shanghai and Chengdu, where meetings have been scheduled with Chinese government officials, airlines, tour operators and travel agents as part of continued efforts to promote the Maldives and strengthen tourism cooperation with China.

The Beijing engagements form part of Visit Maldives’ ongoing efforts to maintain the country’s visibility in the Chinese market and strengthen partnerships with organisations and businesses involved in outbound tourism from China. 

China remains the Maldives’ largest tourism source market. Official tourism figures show that more than 122,000 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives by 10 June this year, maintaining China’s position as the country’s top source market ahead of Russia and the United Kingdom.