China International Travel Mart (CITM) kicks off in Shanghai with participation from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). While the exhibition will be held from 16-18 November 2018, a total of 16 companies have taken part with 27 representatives from the tourism industry to showcase the Maldives in Shanghai, China.
Held annually, CITM is one of the largest travel trade shows in Asia which take place in Shanghai and Kunming alternatively. This exhibition hosted 79 countries and regions with 1,663 booths during the previous exhibition which took place in Kunming, China. During this three-day event, two days are allocated for professional business-to-business meetings where registered exhibitors can arrange meetings with the major operators and media that can guarantee quality and valuable participation at the fair.
Maldives stand at CITM 2018
Professional trade days have been arranged exclusively by the fair organizers for registered delegates in order to ensure a valuable participation at CITM. CITM is a joint effort, organized by the China National Tourism Administration, Civil Aviation Administration of China and Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, taking place at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.
Officials will be meeting with industry professionals during the fair to explore means to further develop and strengthen the presence of the Maldives in the Chinese Market. In addition to business meetings conducted during the fair, there will be activities organized at the stand to attract more visitors. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Maldives in virtual reality and see the underwater beauty of the country through VR gear. Visitors also could also take a selfie at the stand and post on Chinese social media with the hashtag #visitmaldives and #CITM2018 to win a surprise gift from the Maldives. Moreover, visitors can have a taste of Maldivian flavours at the stand.
This year’s event has exhibitors from all sectors of the travel industry including domestic and international tourist organisations, travel agencies, hotels, airlines and other travel related companies. CITM provides partners the opportunity to meet with the strongest buyers from all over China and to establish extensive business ties.
China continues to remain the top market to Maldives in terms of arrivals since the arrival of Chinese tourists hiked up in 2012. During the year 2017, a total of 306,530 Chinese tourists visited Maldives, contributing to 22.1% of the total market share. Participation at CITM is expected to boost arrivals through these promotions. By the end of September 2018, there were a total of October 2018, a total of 222,108 Chinese tourists was recorded to have visited Maldives. The Chinese market now contributes to 20.06% of the total market share which is a 6% drop compared to the same period in 2017, where a total of 236,728 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives. However, through promotion at CITM as well as other joint marketing efforts, a positive growth in the arrivals is expected in the future.
