The World Travel Market is my annual mini-escape to the “Maldives”. Well…the Maldives stand at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Aside from a little “underwater” hammock swinging (hmmm…a potential “Not Yet Seen”), the stand is a handy opportunity to browse the new offerings, meet some new resort folks as well as catch up with old friends over for the event.
Unfortunately, my visit this year was a bit of a disappointment. The Maldives stand was about half the size that it usually is. That could be because of the difficult year the Maldives had with the war between the USA and Iran depressing travel to the region. Or it could be because the market is a bit more geared to mid-market properties being sold in volume than the boutique super-luxury ones that are increasingly dominating the Maldives seascape.
Two segments of the Maldives market were a bit more prominent this year:
- · Mid-Market Hotels on Inhabited Islands – eg. Nasandhura, Ecoboo, Arrival Beach & Spa
- · Luxury Residences – So many of the super-premium properties are now offering property purchase residences.