Abdulla Ghiyas (Chairperson, Visit Maldives Corporation), Ibrahim Shiuree (CEO and Managing Director, Visit Maldives), Deborah Rothe (Director of ITB Berlin), Dr. Mario Tobias (CEO of Messe Berlin), David Ruetz (Senior Vice President of Messe Berlin (from left to right))/Credit: Messe Berlin
Berlin, 5 March 2026
The Maldives will be the official Guest of Honour at ITB Berlin 2027, showcasing their beauty, diversity, and hospitality from the Indian Ocean to the international travel industry at the world’s leading tourism trade fair.
The partnership was officially sealed during ITB Berlin 2026: Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives (MMPRC), and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, signed the agreement at an official photo opportunity at the Maldives stand in Hall 5.2. “We are delighted that the Maldives will once again be in the spotlight as the Guest of Honour at ITB Berlin, 10 years after their first appearance. This long-standing partnership underscores the importance of ITB Berlin as a global platform and the high standing of the Maldives in the international tourism industry. In 2027, we want to present the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the Maldives and, at the same time, demonstrate how tourism and sustainability can successfully go hand in hand,” explained Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin.
A global stage for an extraordinary travel destination
With over 1,000 islands, turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives are among the world’s most popular long-haul destinations. The country is synonymous with exclusive resort experiences, authentic island tourism, and warm hospitality.
As the Guest of Honour at ITB Berlin 2027, the Maldives will showcase the full spectrum of its tourism offerings: from luxury and boutique resorts to diving and water sports experiences, wellness retreats, and cultural encounters. Sustainability remains a central component of the country’s tourism strategy, with numerous initiatives dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems and supporting local communities.
“ITB Berlin provides us with the ideal platform to present the unique offerings of our islands to travelers from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the international tourism industry to Berlin and the “To showcase the diversity, quality, and hospitality that make the Maldives such a special travel destination,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives.
Just a few weeks earlier, the President of the Maldives visited Berlin and was received by the German Federal President. This historic visit underscored the strategic importance of the island nation for both Germany and the international community.
Visit Maldives Year 2027: Showcasing the Maldives to the World
The year 2027 has been officially declared the “Visit Maldives Year”—a major national tourism initiative that highlights the uniqueness and appeal of the Maldives internationally. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that the campaign underscores the country’s commitment to sustainable growth, international cooperation, and the continued strengthening of the tourism sector as a key economic driver. As part of the initiative, the Maldives will showcase its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural diversity, and world-class hospitality to travelers and partners worldwide through a variety of global marketing activities, including participation in international travel trade shows, roadshows, and targeted digital campaigns. This will further solidify the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s leading long-haul travel destinations.
Strong Presence at ITB Berlin 2027
As the Guest of Honour country, the Maldives will host the official opening gala on March 15, 2027, at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and present a diverse program from March 16 to 18. All ITB Berlin participants can look forward to an impressive exhibition stand, cultural performances, networking events, and press activities that will prominently position the Maldives in the international tourism industry.
By being the Guest of Honour country, the Maldives underscores its long-standing commitment to ITB Berlin and emphasizes the importance of the German and European markets. ITB Berlin 2027 offers them the ideal platform to further strengthen partnerships, inspire new travel trends, and firmly establish the Maldives in the spotlight of the global travel industry.
About ITB Berlin, the ITB Berlin Convention, and ITB 360°
ITB Berlin 2026 will take place from Tuesday to Thursday, March 3–5, as a trade-only event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the world’s leading travel trade show and will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026 under the motto “Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy.” The ITB Berlin Convention, themed “Leading Tourism into Balance,” will feature 400 top speakers from business, academia, and politics discussing current and future industry challenges across 17 thematic tracks on four stages. At ITB Berlin 2025, 5,800 exhibitors from over 170 countries and regions presented their products and services to nearly 100,000 attendees. As a year-round and globally present innovation hub, ITB Berlin offers the worldwide tourism community valuable insights throughout the year with ITB 360° in the form of specialist articles, podcast episodes and other innovative formats.