Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has signed a strategic agreement with DERTOUR, one of Europe’s largest tour operators based in Germany.

According to VMC, this partnership aims to boost tourist arrivals from Germany and further strengthen the Maldives' brand presence within the European market.

The agreement was signed yesterday during a special ceremony in Berlin, held alongside President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing official visit to Germany.

Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of VMC, signed on behalf of Visit Maldives, while Jörn Krausser, Director of Indian Ocean and Asia at DERTOUR, signed for the company.

In a statement, VMC highlighted that under this agreement, both parties will collaborate to bring at least 100,000 tourists from Germany annually, with a target to exceed 200,000 arrivals in the following year. This initiative is designed to solidify Germany’s position as a key source market for Maldivian tourism.

The partnership involves joint marketing activities and promotions to position the Maldives as a top-tier destination. VMC noted that promotional campaigns and trade engagement programs will be tailored to the preferences and seasonal demands of German travelers.

Furthermore, DERTOUR will provide technical advice and market expertise to refine the strategies used to promote the Maldives. The two organizations have also agreed to share critical tourism data and market intelligence.

The collaboration will also see the organization of joint trade events and sales activations. The primary objective is to strengthen ties with the German travel trade industry and drive higher arrival numbers.

DERTOUR has a long-standing history in the Maldivian tourism sector and holds significant resort investments within the country.

In Germany, DERTOUR operates through several tour operator brands, including DERTOUR, ITS, and Meiers Weltreisen, all part of the DERTOUR Group. As the tourism division of the REWE Group, the DERTOUR Group manages a wide range of popular travel brands, agencies, and destination services globally.

VMC believes this agreement is a crucial step in its ongoing efforts to build strong relationships with major tour operators in key markets, ensuring the long-term popularity and sustainability of the Maldives as a destination.