Visit Maldives and Luxury Escapes have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening destination promotion and expanding tourism cooperation within the Australian market.

The agreement was signed on May 15 in Melbourne during Visit Maldives’ participation in Luxury Escapes LIVE Melbourne 2026 alongside Maldivian. According to Visit Maldives, the collaboration forms part of efforts to strengthen the Maldives’ tourism presence in Australia and promote travel to the destination.

The agreement will see both parties conduct joint destination marketing and tourism promotion activities across Australia and New Zealand, including trade engagement events, retail campaigns, destination showcases and consumer-focused marketing initiatives.

According to Visit Maldives, the partnership will also include travel agent training sessions, webinars, media familiarisation visits and promotional campaigns targeting both travel industry stakeholders and consumers in the two markets. The collaboration is additionally expected to support the promotion of the newly launched direct charter operations between Melbourne and the Maldives.

Luxury Escapes LIVE Melbourne 2026, held from May 16 to 17 at the Royal Exhibition Building, brings together travel industry representatives, tourism operators and travellers through destination showcases and promotional activities. Visit Maldives stated that the Maldives stand at the event highlights tourism experiences available in the country, including luxury, wellness, family and experiential travel segments.

The event is also being used to promote the newly introduced charter flight operations between Melbourne and the Maldives operated by Maldivian. Visit Maldives stated that the additional connectivity is expected to support tourism arrivals from the Australian market and strengthen travel links between the two countries.

Officials from Visit Maldives also held meetings with tourism industry stakeholders and representatives during the programme. According to the corporation, activities linked to the campaign will conclude on May 18 with the inauguration of the Maldivian charter service at Melbourne Airport.