The Maldives has initiated discussions with Edelweiss Air, the Switzerland-based leisure and charter airline, aiming to expand and enhance its flight services to the island nation. These discussions were held on the sidelines of the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025, presently ongoing in Berlin, Germany.
The ITB Berlin commenced on 4 March and will extend until 6 March. While the Maldives' delegation at ITB Berlin is led by Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, it includes approximately 200 representatives from 89 companies.
During the fair, the Maldives is engaging with international tourism sector stakeholders through various side events. Among these engagements was a meeting between Minister Thoriq and officials from Edelweiss Air, focusing on the potential increase in the airline's flight frequency to the Maldives. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing Edelweiss Air's services during the low tourism season, according to government sources.
Currently, Edelweiss Air operates a single weekly flight to the Maldives. While the Maldives has maintained a strong presence at the ITB Berlin for several years, this consistent participation underscores the nation's commitment to solidifying its status as the World's Leading Destination and to boosting tourist arrivals from German-speaking markets.
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has been pivotal in promoting the Maldives' tourism sector throughout the fair. The agency is spearheading various initiatives aimed at positioning the Maldives as a premier tourist destination. These efforts, according to the MMPRC, are designed to strengthen ties with German-speaking markets, along with other regional tourism markets, tour operators, travel agents, and media.
Tourism statistics from the ministry indicate that the Maldives has recorded 457,940 tourist arrivals as of 4 March this year. Germany and Switzerland are among the top ten source markets for the Maldives, with the nation welcoming 29,128 tourists from Germany and 10,004 from Switzerland so far this year.
Other European countries featured in the top ten source markets for the Maldives include the United Kingdom, with 45,469 arrivals; Italy, with 43,163; France, with 19,062; and Poland, with 10,512 arrivals as of 4 March.