Yesterday I attended a discussion workshop arranged by MTPB to discuss about their marketing plan for 2009. If I am not mistaken, around 45 industry specialists attended the workshop and we were given points to discuss as individual groups pre selected by MTPB. The groups mainly consisted of general managers, hoteliers, tour operators, marketers and live-aboard owners.

Below are the points given to us for discussion;

1. New ideas to market the destination.

2. Views on joint campaigns with resorts / travel agents / TOs

3. Ideas to improve www.visitmaldives.com website

4. How do we address the issue of change in the business environment due to fuel crisis in our marketing?

5. Do we have to keep the current level of marketing activities in the traditional markets? How do Maldives keep its presence?

6. What are the new markets the private sector needs to tap and how MTPB could assist improve Maldives presence in the emerging markets?

7. Do we need to change the existing design of the WTM + BIT + ITB?

8. Any other issues?

The discussions went very well with different opinions and ideas flying around the table, most of which were constructive and critical. I have some thoughts and discussions that I will share with you separately on each point. Until then, keep visiting me here…