TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 6 APRIL 2026
Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), is pleased to announce an upcoming high-level webinar titled “The Conflict Playbook for Travel – Adapt, Pivot, Lead (Maldives Edition)”. Scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 13:00 hrs Maldives Time (15:00 hrs Bangkok Time), this session is designed to address the critical challenges currently reshaping the global tourism landscape.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, its impact has moved beyond a regional crisis to disrupt global aviation networks, increase fuel prices, and shift international traveler sentiment. Strategic corridors in the Middle East now face airspace restrictions, leading to flight rerouting and increased travel times, while jet fuel prices have surged by 50–60%. With the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimating a global loss of approximately USD 600 million per day in visitor spending, VMC is taking proactive steps to safeguard the Maldives’ aviation-dependent tourism economy.
The webinar will feature a keynote address by Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairperson of Visit Maldives Corporation, who will provide the national perspective on the evolving situation, the immediate impacts on local tourism, and the government’s strategic priorities. Following an introduction and welcome remarks by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid, the session will move into deep-dive presentations from global industry experts. Michael Shoory, Head of APAC Tourism Analysis at Tourism Economics, will analyze key data points regarding demand shifts and market signals. Sarah Mathews, CEO of E-Tourism Frontiers, will discuss strategies for identifying resilient alternative markets and adjusting targeting amid rising costs, while Elizabeth Cook, Director of Marketing at E-Tourism Frontiers, will offer guidance on crisis communications and protecting destination reputation.
This comprehensive agenda aims to provide stakeholders with a practical, data-driven framework to stabilize demand and maintain the Maldives’ strong market position during this period of heightened uncertainty. The event will conclude with a live Q&A session moderated by Paul Pruangkarn, PATA’s Director of Marketing & Communications, allowing participants to engage directly with the panel of specialists.
Visit Maldives Corporation invites all industry partners and stakeholders to register for this vital session to gain actionable insights for navigating the current global landscape.
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