SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER PROGRAMME 2026

1. PROGRAMME VISION

The SMB International Buyer Programme 2026 is designed to bring qualified international Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), MICE planners, luxury travel specialists, diving operators, honeymoon specialists and travel wholesalers to Addu City.

The programme will connect international buyers directly with:

• Resorts
• Hotels
• Guesthouses
• Tour operators
• DMCs
• Travel agencies
• Airlines
• Diving centres
• Excursion providers
• Transport companies
• Local SMEs
• Tourism investment projects
• Financial institutions
• Government and tourism stakeholders

The ultimate objective is to create real commercial relationships, contracts, destination packages, joint marketing campaigns and future tourist arrivals to Southern Maldives.

2. THE SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER PROMISE

DISCOVER

Discover the authentic, natural and commercially attractive Southern Maldives.

CONNECT

Meet qualified Maldivian tourism suppliers through structured B2B meetings.

CONTRACT

Negotiate rates, packages, commissions and distribution partnerships.

EXPERIENCE

Experience Addu's nature, culture, diving, marine environment and island lifestyle.

CELEBRATE

Attend the prestigious SMB AWARD 2026, bringing international buyers together with Maldives business leaders.

SELL

Return home with ready-to-market Southern Maldives tourism products.

3. TARGET INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

SMB will target decision-makers rather than general tourism visitors.

Priority Buyer Categories

1. International Tour Operators
2. Wholesale Tour Operators
3. Travel Agents
4. Destination Management Companies
5. Luxury Travel Specialists
6. Honeymoon & Romance Specialists
7. Diving & Marine Tourism Operators
8. Adventure Travel Operators
9. Eco & Sustainable Tourism Operators
10. Wellness & Retreat Operators
11. MICE & Corporate Travel Companies
12. Group Travel Specialists
13. Family Holiday Specialists
14. Online Travel Agencies
15. Cruise & Yacht Tourism Companies
16. Educational/Student Travel Operators
17. Sports Tourism Operators
18. Long-Stay Holiday Specialists
19. Wedding & Destination Event Planners
20. Travel Media & Trade Influencers

4. PRIORITY SOURCE MARKETS

TIER 1 – HIGH PRIORITY

India

• Mumbai
• Delhi
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kochi

China

• Shanghai
• Beijing
• Guangzhou
• Shenzhen
• Chengdu

Russia/CIS

• Moscow
• St. Petersburg
• Kazakhstan
• Uzbekistan

United Kingdom

Germany

Italy

France

TIER 2 – STRATEGIC MARKETS

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Sri Lanka
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Austria
• Spain
• Poland
• Czech Republic

TIER 3 – EMERGING MARKETS

• South Africa
• Australia
• South Korea
• Japan
• Scandinavia
• Eastern Europe
• Central Asia

This market approach is consistent with Maldives' current trade strategy. Visit Maldives is actively engaging markets including India, China and European source markets through international trade exhibitions and B2B meetings. (visitmaldives)

5. BUYER TARGET

THE 100 INTERNATIONAL BUYER INITIATIVE

SMB EXPO will aim to recruit:

100 Qualified International Buyers

Target structure:

Of these:

50 Hosted Buyers

and

50 Registered Buyers

The hosted-buyer places should be awarded only to qualified companies with genuine Maldives sales potential.

6. BUYER QUALIFICATION SYSTEM

Every applicant will be assessed.

A – PREMIUM BUYER

• Existing Maldives business
• Strong annual passenger volume
• Decision-maker attending
• Established distribution network
• Interest in Southern Maldives
• Ability to contract products

B – POTENTIAL BUYER

• Maldives specialist or strong outbound operator
• Growing customer base
• Potential for Southern Maldives packages

C – TRADE VISITOR

• General travel professional
• Networking interest
• No immediate contracting potential

Hosted Buyer places should primarily be allocated to A and high-potential B buyers.

7. HOSTED BUYER PACKAGE

SMB PREMIUM HOSTED BUYER

Selected buyers may receive:

✈️ Travel Support

• Regional/in-country transfer support subject to programme rules
• Airport assistance
• Domestic transfer coordination

🏨 Accommodation

• 3–4 nights hosted accommodation
• Selected hotel/resort/guesthouse

🚐 Transfers

• Airport transfer
• Expo transfers
• FAM trip transfers

🎟️ VIP ACCESS

• SMB EXPO VIP registration
• International Buyer Lounge
• Business Forum
• SMB AWARD 2026 VIP invitation

🤝 BUSINESS

• Pre-scheduled B2B appointments
• Buyer-supplier matching
• Dedicated business concierge

🌴 DESTINATION EXPERIENCE

• Addu island tour
• Nature experience
• Cultural experience
• Marine/diving experience
• Local culinary experience

🏆 AWARDS

• VIP seating at SMB AWARD 2026
• International Buyer recognition
• Networking with award winners and sponsors

8. INTERNATIONAL BUYER LOUNGE

A dedicated:

SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER LOUNGE

will operate throughout the EXPO.

Facilities:

• Private meeting tables
• Business concierge
• Wi-Fi
• Refreshments
• Destination information
• Supplier catalogue
• Digital presentation facilities
• Translation assistance
• Meeting scheduling desk
• Contract discussion area

The objective is to make the lounge a commercial meeting centre, not simply a hospitality area.

9. B2B MATCHMAKING SYSTEM

Each buyer will receive a digital profile containing:

• Company
• Country
• Market
• Customer segments
• Maldives experience
• Annual sales category
• Preferred products
• Desired suppliers
• Meeting objectives

Exhibitors will also create profiles.

The system then matches:

BUYER → PRODUCT → SUPPLIER

10. B2B MEETING FORMAT

15–20 MINUTE APPOINTMENTS

Example:

10:00–10:20 Resort
10:25–10:45 DMC
10:50–11:10 Diving Company
11:15–11:35 Guesthouse
11:40–12:00 Airline
12:05–12:25 Excursion Company

Target:

15–20 meetings per buyer

With 50 hosted buyers:

750–1,000 qualified B2B meetings

With 100 buyers:

1,500–2,000 potential B2B meetings

11. SOUTHERN MALDIVES PRODUCT SHOWCASE

SMB should create a special:

“SELL SOUTHERN MALDIVES” PRODUCT ZONE

Products presented to international buyers:

ADVENTURE

• Diving
• Snorkelling
• Fishing
• Cycling
• Island exploration

NATURE

• Wetlands
• Nature parks
• Marine ecosystems
• Bird watching
• Sustainable tourism

CULTURE

• Traditional cuisine
• Local communities
• Heritage
• Traditional performances
• Island lifestyle

LUXURY

• Premium accommodation
• Private experiences
• Romantic escapes
• Exclusive excursions

MICE

• Corporate retreats
• Incentive travel
• Conferences
• Team-building

12. READY-TO-SELL TOURISM PACKAGES

Every participating tourism supplier should be encouraged to provide:

Package Name

Duration

Net Rate

Agent Commission

Minimum Stay

Transfer Cost

Included Experiences

Exclusions

Cancellation Policy

Booking Contact

Images

Video

B2B Contract Terms

This allows international buyers to leave Addu with products they can immediately sell.

13. SMB BUSINESS FORUM

15 NOVEMBER 2026

SOUTHERN MALDIVES BUSINESS FORUM

Theme:

“Connecting Southern Maldives to the Global Economy”

Suggested sessions:

SESSION 1

The Future of Southern Maldives Tourism

SESSION 2

How International Tour Operators Can Sell Southern Maldives

SESSION 3

DMCs, Airlines & Connectivity – Opening the Southern Gateway

SESSION 4

Luxury, Diving, Nature & Experiential Tourism

SESSION 5

Investment Opportunities in Southern Maldives

SESSION 6

Building International Distribution Partnerships

14. INTERNATIONAL BUYER PANEL

GLOBAL TRAVEL BUYERS SPEAK

Invite 4–6 international buyers to discuss:

• What international travellers want
• What makes a Maldives product sell
• Pricing expectations
• Commission expectations
• Booking behaviour
• Digital marketing
• Sustainable tourism
• Why Southern Maldives should be included in Maldives itineraries

This creates valuable intelligence for local businesses.

15. SMB AWARD 2026

The International Buyer Programme will culminate in:

SMB AWARD 2026

“Celebrating Excellence, Innovation & Business Leadership”

The Award Gala becomes an important part of the international buyer experience.

International Buyers will receive:

• VIP invitation
• Priority seating
• Red-carpet access
• Networking reception
• Award ceremony access
• Dinner
• Cultural entertainment
• Business networking
• Media exposure

16. PROPOSED SMB AWARD CATEGORIES

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

1. Southern Maldives Tourism Excellence Award
2. Best Resort Partner
3. Best Guesthouse
4. Best Hotel
5. Best DMC
6. Best Tour Operator
7. Best Travel Agency
8. Best Diving & Marine Tourism Business
9. Best Excursion Provider
10. Best Tourism Innovation

BUSINESS

1. SME of the Year
2. Emerging Business of the Year
3. Women in Business Award
4. Young Entrepreneur Award
5. Business Leadership Award
6. Customer Excellence Award
7. Digital Business Award
8. Sustainable Business Award
9. Export & International Market Award
10. Southern Maldives Business Excellence Award

INTERNATIONAL

1. International Tourism Partner Award
2. International Tour Operator Partner Award
3. International Travel Agent Partner Award
4. International DMC Partner Award
5. Southern Maldives Destination Ambassador Award

17. INTERNATIONAL BUYER AWARD

Introduce a special recognition:

“SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER OF THE YEAR 2026”

Awarded to the international travel professional who demonstrates exceptional commitment to promoting Southern Maldives tourism.

Criteria:

• Number of qualified meetings
• Partnership commitments
• Southern Maldives packages developed
• Marketing cooperation
• Future booking potential
• Contribution to destination development

18. INTERNATIONAL BUYER NETWORKING RECEPTION

“GLOBAL BUYERS MEET SOUTHERN MALDIVES”

An exclusive networking reception for:

• International buyers
• Government officials
• Sponsors
• Resorts
• Airlines
• DMCs
• Investors
• Award nominees
• Speakers
• Media

Programme:

Welcome Cocktail → Destination Presentation → Cultural Showcase → Business Networking → Dinner

19. INTERNATIONAL BUYER FAM TRIP

“DISCOVER ADDU – FAM TRIP 2026”

16–18 November 2026

DAY 1 – DISCOVER

Arrival
Hotel check-in
Addu orientation
Island tour
Sunset experience
Welcome dinner

DAY 2 – EXPERIENCE

Nature Park
Wetland experience
Cultural tour
Local cuisine
Marine excursion
Diving/snorkelling option
Traditional cultural evening

DAY 3 – BUSINESS

Hotel/resort inspections
Tourism supplier meetings
Package negotiations
Departure / onward travel

20. BUYER SALES KIT

Each international buyer receives a:

SOUTHERN MALDIVES B2B SALES KIT

Contents:

• Southern Maldives destination guide
• Addu City map
• Accommodation directory
• Resort information
• Guesthouse directory
• DMC directory
• Excursion directory
• Diving directory
• Transfer information
• Sample itineraries
• Net rates
• Commission guidelines
• High-resolution images
• Promotional videos
• Social media assets
• Supplier contacts
• Contract templates

21. BUYER PASSPORT

Every hosted buyer receives:

SMB GLOBAL BUYER PASSPORT

Buyers collect stamps/QR confirmations from:

☐ Resort
☐ Hotel
☐ Guesthouse
☐ DMC
☐ Diving Company
☐ Excursion Company
☐ Airline
☐ SME
☐ Investment Project
☐ Business Forum

Completed passports qualify for:

“SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER 2026”

Certificate and special recognition.

22. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

PHASE 1 – DATABASE BUILDING

Target:

2,000 international companies

Build database by:

• Country
• Company
• Website
• Buyer name
• Position
• Email
• Phone
• Maldives product
• Customer segment
• Estimated potential

PHASE 2 – DIRECT RECRUITMENT

Target:

500 priority companies

Personalised:

• Email
• LinkedIn
• WhatsApp where appropriate
• Telephone
• Industry association introduction
• Embassy/tourism-network introductions

PHASE 3 – CONVERSION

Target:

200 serious prospects

Then:

100 confirmed buyers

Then:

50 hosted buyers

23. BUYER RECRUITMENT MESSAGE

Core message:

Discover a New Commercial Opportunity in the Maldives.

SMB EXPO 2026 invites selected international Tour Operators, Travel Agents and DMCs to Addu City for a premium B2B tourism programme connecting global travel buyers with Southern Maldives tourism businesses.

Meet suppliers. Discover new products. Negotiate rates. Build packages. Develop partnerships.

And experience the prestigious SMB AWARD 2026.

24. INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME

SMB should approach:

• Visit Maldives
• Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation
• Maldives Airports Company
• Airlines
• Maldives tourism associations
• Embassies
• Chambers of Commerce
• Foreign travel associations
• International tourism media
• Travel trade publications
• Tourism universities
• International DMC networks

The objective is to secure:

Buyer nominations

Media support

Airline support

Accommodation support

Destination promotion

FAM support

25. AIRLINE PARTNERSHIP

Create:

SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER AIR PARTNER

Benefits to airline:

• Official Airline Partner recognition
• Branding at EXPO
• Business Forum recognition
• SMB AWARD recognition
• International media exposure
• Destination campaign integration
• Buyer travel promotion

26. HOTEL & RESORT HOST PARTNERSHIP

Create:

SMB HOST HOTEL / RESORT PARTNER

Partners provide selected hosted buyers with accommodation in exchange for:

• Branding
• Buyer property inspection
• Product presentation
• B2B appointments
• Destination content
• Social media exposure
• SMB Award recognition

27. INTERNATIONAL MEDIA PROGRAMME

Invite selected:

• Travel journalists
• Tourism publications
• Trade media
• Travel bloggers
• Professional creators
• Destination photographers

Media programme:

EXPO → BUSINESS FORUM → SMB AWARD → FAM TRIP

Result:

International destination exposure for Southern Maldives.

28. DIGITAL BUYER PLATFORM

Create a dedicated online page:

SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER CONNECT 2026

Sections:

REGISTER AS BUYER

REGISTER AS EXHIBITOR

REQUEST B2B MEETING

HOSTED BUYER APPLICATION

DESTINATION GUIDE

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

BUSINESS FORUM

SMB AWARD 2026

FAM TRIP

CONTACT

29. BUYER DATA & BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

After the event, SMB should measure:

• Number of buyers
• Countries represented
• Number of meetings
• Supplier demand
• Product demand
• Average requested package value
• Contracts initiated
• Contracts signed
• Future passenger potential
• Marketing partnerships
• FAM-trip participation

This converts SMB EXPO into a measurable tourism business-development platform.

30. POST-EXPO TRADE PROGRAMME

The relationship should continue after November.

SMB GLOBAL BUYER CLUB

International buyers who participate become:

“SMB Global Buyer Club Members”

Benefits:

• Quarterly destination updates
• New tourism product announcements
• Special rates
• Familiarization invitations
• New package launches
• Business networking
• Preferred supplier access
• Joint marketing opportunities

31. 90-DAY FOLLOW-UP

7 DAYS

Send thank-you + supplier contacts.

30 DAYS

Track quotations and contracts.

60 DAYS

Conduct buyer/supplier follow-up.

90 DAYS

Measure:

• Contracts
• Packages launched
• Bookings
• Marketing campaigns
• Passenger forecasts

32. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER PROGRAMME KPI

33. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

INTERNATIONAL BUYER PROGRAMME TITLE PARTNER

USD 20,000

Benefits:

• “Official International Buyer Programme Partner”
• Premium branding
• VIP access
• Buyer networking
• Business Forum recognition
• SMB AWARD recognition
• International media exposure
• Speaking opportunity
• Buyer database insights subject to privacy rules
• Digital campaign
• Website recognition

HOSTED BUYER PARTNER

USD 10,000

Supports accommodation, transfers and buyer experiences.

Benefits:

• Hosted Buyer Partner branding
• Buyer reception recognition
• SMB EXPO branding
• Business Forum recognition
• SMB AWARD recognition

FAM TRIP PARTNER

USD 7,500

Supports:

• Accommodation
• Excursions
• Transfers
• Experiences
• Buyer destination programme

INTERNATIONAL BUYER LOUNGE PARTNER

USD 5,000

Exclusive branding of the International Buyer Lounge.

34. THE COMPLETE SMB EXPERIENCE

The buyer journey should be:

BEFORE ARRIVAL

Invitation → Qualification → Confirmation → Matching → Meeting Schedule

↓

ARRIVAL

Airport Welcome → Hotel → Destination Orientation

↓

SMB EXPO

Exhibition → B2B Meetings → Product Discovery → Networking

↓

BUSINESS FORUM

Knowledge → Market Intelligence → Business Discussions

↓

SMB AWARD

VIP Reception → Gala → Awards → International Networking

↓

FAM TRIP

Experience → Inspect → Negotiate → Build Packages

↓

AFTER EXPO

Follow-up → Contracts → Marketing → Bookings

35. THE SMB AWARD CONNECTION

The SMB AWARD should not be treated as a separate entertainment event.

It should become the international networking climax of the entire programme.

The message to buyers is:

“Come to Addu not only to meet Southern Maldives businesses, but to become part of the region's most important business and tourism networking celebration.”

The sequence becomes:

EXHIBITION

Discover

↓

BUSINESS FORUM

Learn

↓

B2B MEETINGS

Connect

↓

FAM TRIP

Experience

↓

SMB AWARD

Celebrate

↓

POST-EVENT

Do Business

36. PROPOSED OFFICIAL BRAND

SMB INTERNATIONAL BUYER CONNECT 2026

“GLOBAL BUYERS. SOUTHERN MALDIVES. NEW BUSINESS.”

Presented alongside

SOUTHERN MALDIVES BUSINESS EXPO 2026

SMB BUSINESS FORUM

SMB AWARD 2026

DISCOVER ADDU INTERNATIONAL BUYER FAM TRIP

37. FINAL STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

The ultimate objective is not simply to bring 100 foreign visitors to Addu.

It is to establish:

ADdu AS A NEW INTERNATIONAL TOURISM B2B MARKET

SMB should aim to create a permanent bridge:

International Buyer

↕

SMB EXPO

↕

Southern Maldives Tourism Supplier

↕

DMC / Airline / Resort

↕

International Traveller

The success measure should therefore be:

“How many international buyers start selling Southern Maldives after SMB EXPO?”

That is the real commercial legacy of SMB EXPO 2026.

Recommended next step

I would now turn this programme into a professional 15–20 page “SMB International Buyer Programme & Hosted Buyer Prospectus 2026” with a premium corporate layout, including:

1. International Buyer Invitation Letter
2. Hosted Buyer Application Form
3. Buyer Qualification Form
4. International Buyer Benefits
5. B2B Meeting Programme
6. SMB Business Forum
7. SMB AWARD 2026
8. FAM Trip itinerary
9. Sponsorship packages
10. International recruitment campaign
11. Buyer database/CRM structure
12. Official promotional text for email, LinkedIn and WhatsApp

The timing is particularly strong because Maldives' established trade events are demonstrating the value of pre-scheduled B2B meetings + international buyers + an awards/gala component, which SMB can adapt specifically around Southern Maldives and Addu City. (visitmaldives)