Australian-based destination management company (DMC), Addicted to Maldives, has expanded its operations to provide partners with access to markets such as the USA and Europe.
Operated by the Travel Addiction Group, the Addicted to Maldives team reach now extends globally.
Addicted to Maldives co-founder, Di Lechner, said: “What this expansion means for our resort partners is that not only can they enjoy greater reach to both agents and consumers in the global market, but also more focused and dedicated PR campaigns, marketing tactics and strategic alliances with brands worldwide.”
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Employing a consultancy-based formula and personalised approach, Addicted to Maldives harness the power of their international network of travel advisors and clients and their knowledge as a Virtuoso Preferred Tour Operator.
The team possess extensive travel industry knowledge and experience and have spent many years building strong connections with travel agents and businesses. They focus on unique travel experiences in the Maldives, with an emphasis on luxury, and offer an intuitive and bespoke consultation service for intrepid travellers, travel advisors, and valued resort partners.
“What we offer and how we differentiate ourselves from other DMCs, is a trusted, relationship-driven approach founded on a luxurious, well-respected brand. We believe in the importance of personally experiencing every resort we send clients to, as it allows us to nurture relationships with the resort teams, and to provide travel advisors and travellers with honest, targeted advice, resulting in a symbiotic, stress-free union,” she said.
Lechner explained that while the company’s expansion into additional markets has long been in the pipeline, now is the perfect time to officially launch, as the Maldives is experiencing unprecedented interest from travellers all over the world.
Like all destinations, the island nation felt the negative impacts of COVID-19 and its flow-on effect on the global tourism industry. Thorough safety and hygiene standards and the country’s unique geography and relative isolation, however, have allowed it to resume its primary source of economy.
“The Maldives is the hot new destination for Australians – and international travellers alike – due to its signature one island, one resort concept,” she said. “On arrival in Malé, guests are flown by seaplane or escorted via speedboat to their resort with minimal contact. Because of the country’s unique terrain, there is only one resort per island (in most cases), which means visitors are essentially isolated in their respective resorts.”
“Since mid-last year, it has basically been business as usual in the Maldives – albeit with precautions in place – in the idyllic island nation. Some are even touting it as the travel industry’s poster child,” Lechner said.
“The Maldivian government has advised that all tourists and short-term visitors must produce a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 upon arrival. The health document stating the negative PCR test result for COVID-19 must be in English and 72 hours prior to departure from their home country.”
Following the onset of the COVID pandemic, Addicted to Maldives pivoted its business in mid-2020 to cater for the domestic market, launching Addicted to Australia, which also tapped into the New Zealand and Fijian markets.
Lead image: Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands