The opposition backed “India Out” campaign has held another large-scale rally outside of the capital city. The movement has further established itself as a serious national-level campaign with the latest rally held in R. Dhuvaafaru.

The rally which was held in R. Dhuvaafaru was attended by opposition leader former President Abdulla Yameen on Friday evening.  Former President Abdulla Yameen received a warm welcome to the island with hundreds gathered to greet the former President.

Prior to launching the rally, a short gathering was held where the former President addressed the island. In his speech, former President Abdulla Yameen stated that there is no “Maldivian hospitality” for Indian military forces in the Maldives and that they are unwelcome.

He further stated that the participants of the “India Out” campaign are printing the slogan on their cloths, homes and other apparels and that the government has no space to comment on the subject. “It is our opinion. It is our walls. That doesn’t concern the Government.” said the former President.

He also stated that the government has failed a would not be able to show any credible reason to cease the “India Out” campaign.

This comes after the current administration launched a massive misinformation campaign with Indian media to discredit the “India Out” movement. While the “India Out” movement has been responsible for the 5 largest political rallies held since 2018, the current administration attempted to discredit and mislead the international media by stating that it was “the misled sentiments of a few”. However, the “India Out” movement has become the largest national-level campaign since the Maldives gained independence. Break-away factions from the ruling party and coalition have also joined the movement citing the urgent need to expel Indian military forces in the Maldives.

The new Japanese ambassador to the Maldives, Takeuchi Midori has presented her credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Ambassador Takeuchi Midori presented her credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at a special ceremony held earlier today at the President’s Office.

Speaking at the ceremony President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih noted on the Ambassador Takeuchi Midori’s predecessor Keiko Yanai’s work in enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih expressed hope in continuing to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations under Ambassador Takeuchi Midori tenure.

Ambassador Takeuchi Midori also spoke at the ceremony, noting that this year marks the 55^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Japan. She expressed hope that the two nations would work together on regional and global issues.

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) and industry partners are marketing the destination at one of the biggest global trade fairs in Spain, FITUR 2022, held in Madrid. FITUR 2022, conducted from the 19th to the 23rd of January 2022, is the global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound markets globally.

FITUR brings together travel agencies, wholesalers – tour operators, hotels & accommodation, carrier companies, leisure & culture, infrastructures, Spanish official organizations and travel media. The B2B and B2C event offer excellent business opportunities, access to qualified and relevant travel buyers, influencers, and market professionals. Over 42,000 trade visitors and more than 20,000 general public visitors are expected to attend the event, while around 2,500 journalists from 33 countries will cover the event.

The Maldives is represented at the fair by MMPRC along with 13 registered industry partners: Book Me Maldives, Intour Maldives, Lets Go Maldives, Travel Connection, Sun Ocean, Perfect Voyage, Roam Maldives, Lily Hotels, Villa Hotels & Resorts, Brennia Kottefaru, the Standard Hurawalhi Maldives, Medhufushi Island Resort and Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives.

MMPRC is participating in this global trade event to market the destination as a safe haven offering unique experiences to tourists, under MMPRC’s marketing strategy which focuses on maintaining destination momentum and increasing arrival numbers from Spain and around the globe. Through this event, we will provide the latest travel guidelines, information about the unique geographical formation of the Maldives’ scattered islands, the stringent safety measures in place in our resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards and hotels.

By the end of December 2021, Spain was the 7th top source market to the Maldives in 2021. During this period a total of 1,312,706 tourists arrived in the Maldives out of which 37,186 were from Spain. This contributes to 2.8% of the total arrival for 2021. MMPRC held several activities for the Spanish market in 2021, such as TV, social and digital media marketing campaigns, familiarization trips, and participation in FITUR 2021. More such activities will be held for this market for 2022 as well.

In 2021, MMPRC carried out over 260 different activities in 22 global markets. This includes interviews given for news, magazines and TV, marketing campaigns, webinars, familiarization trips, and participation in fairs and exhibitions. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came in December, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travelers from all over the globe.

This year also celebrates an exceptional year to visit the Maldives – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives kicked off earlier last year with plans to conduct new and exciting activities throughout the year. MMPRC has planned over 60 in-person events for the year 2022, including 11 fairs, roadshows and events scheduled for just the first quarter.

Source: http://www.visitmaldives.com