The island nation returns to the world’s leading travel trade show a decade after its first appearance, anchoring its global tourism ambitions to the landmark ‘Visit Maldives Year 2027’ campaign
The Maldives will take centre stage at ITB Berlin 2027, the world’s leading travel trade show, after being officially announced as the event’s Host Country during this year’s edition of the show in Berlin. The agreement was formalised in a signing ceremony at the Maldives’ stand in Hall 5.2, where Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives (MMPRC), and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, sealed the partnership.
Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas (Chairperson, Visit Maldives Corporation), Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree (CEO and Managing Director, Visit Maldives), Ms. Deborah Rothe (Director of ITB Berlin), Dr Mario Tobias (CEO of Messe Berlin), Mr. David Ruetz (Senior Vice President of Messe Berlin) (from left to right)
The announcement marks the Maldives’ return to the Host Country role a full decade after its first appearance in that capacity at ITB Berlin — underscoring both the durability of the partnership and the growing ambition with which the island nation is positioning itself in the global tourism marketplace.
| “We are delighted that, ten years after their first appearance as Host Country, the Maldives will once again take centre stage at ITB Berlin. This long-standing partnership underscores the importance of ITB Berlin as a global platform and highlights the Maldives’ prominent role in the international travel industry. In 2027, we look forward to showcasing the Maldives’ extraordinary beauty and diversity, while also demonstrating how tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand.” — Dr. Mario Tobias CEO, Messe Berlin |
A Destination of Global Standing
With more than 1,000 islands, turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, and some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, the Maldives is consistently ranked among the most iconic long-haul destinations on the planet. The country has built its tourism reputation on a combination of exclusive resort experiences, authentic local island tourism, and a warmth of hospitality that has made it a byword for luxury travel across key source markets.
At ITB Berlin 2027, Visit Maldives will present the full breadth of that offering — from luxury overwater resorts and boutique properties to world-class diving, water sports, wellness retreats, and cultural encounters rooted in the archipelago’s unique Maldivian heritage. Sustainability, increasingly central to the country’s tourism strategy, will also feature prominently, with the Maldives using the global platform to highlight its ongoing initiatives to protect marine ecosystems and support local island communities.
“ITB Berlin provides us with the ideal platform to showcase the unique experiences our islands offer to travellers from around the world.”
| “ITB Berlin provides us with the ideal platform to showcase the unique experiences our islands offer to travellers from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the global tourism industry in Berlin and highlighting the diversity, quality and hospitality that define the Maldives as a destination.” — Ibrahim Shiuree CEO and Managing Director, Visit Maldives (MMPRC) |
Visit Maldives Year 2027: A National Tourism Campaign
The ITB Berlin partnership sits within a larger strategic context. The year 2027 has been officially designated ‘Visit Maldives Year’ by the Maldivian government — a landmark national tourism initiative announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The campaign is designed to showcase the Maldives’ appeal on the global stage through an integrated programme of international marketing, major travel event participation, roadshows, and targeted digital campaigns.
The initiative reflects the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable tourism growth and international collaboration, with the country positioning its tourism sector as a key driver of the national economy. By anchoring Visit Maldives Year 2027 to the Host Country role at ITB Berlin, the government is sending a clear signal about the importance it places on the German and European markets — among the most valuable in the global luxury travel segment.
The strategic significance of the relationship was further underlined just weeks before the ITB Berlin signing, when the Maldivian President visited Berlin and was received by the German Federal President — a high-level diplomatic moment that emphasised the island nation’s growing importance to Germany and the broader international community.
What to Expect at ITB Berlin 2027
As Host Country, the Maldives will hold a prominent position throughout the three-day event. The official opening gala on 15 March 2027 will be hosted by the Maldives, followed by a full programme of trade activities from 16 to 18 March 2027. Visitors can expect an impressive national pavilion, cultural performances, dedicated networking events, and press activities designed to maximise the Maldives’ visibility within the international tourism industry.
The 2027 edition of ITB Berlin will build on the success of a show that, at its 2025 edition, welcomed 5,800 exhibitors from more than 170 countries and territories and drew close to 100,000 visitors. ITB Berlin 2026 — which is celebrating the show’s 60th anniversary under the motto ‘Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy’ — runs as a B2B event from 3 to 5 March 2026, with its Convention exploring the theme ‘Leading Tourism into Balance’ across 400 speakers and 17 thematic tracks.
Quick Facts: Maldives at ITB Berlin 2027
| Host Country | Maldives — ITB Berlin 2027 |
| Opening Gala | 15 March 2027, ITB Berlin venue |
| Show Dates | 16–18 March 2027 |
| Previous Host | Maldives first appeared as Host Country 10 years ago |
| Campaign | Visit Maldives Year 2027 — announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu |
| ITB Scale (2025) | 5,800 exhibitors from 170+ countries; ~100,000 visitors |
| ITB Founded | 1966 — celebrating 60th anniversary in 2026 |
| 2026 Theme | “Leading Tourism into Balance” |
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