In a display of unified brand strength and regional strategy, Marriott International launched its first-ever India roadshow featuring all eight of its luxurious resorts in the Maldives. The inaugural event was hosted on July 22, 2025, at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity, gathering a mix of tour operators, travel agents, and media professionals from across the capital. The roadshow continued in Mumbai the following day and is scheduled to take place today in Bengaluru.
The event spotlighted Marriott’s premier Maldives portfolio: JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, W Maldives, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.
Peter Foreman, Senior Director, Sales & Distribution, Singapore and Maldives, Marriott International, led the delegation and opened the event with a clear message of collaboration and long-term commitment to the Indian travel market.
He said, “This is a milestone moment for us at Marriott International. It is the first time that all eight of our Maldivian resorts have come together to collectively visit India. The Indian market has long been one of our top-performing source markets, and this roadshow across New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore is designed to deepen our engagement with key partners.
“We want our travel trade community to not just know about our resorts individually but to understand the diversity and depth of our Maldives portfolio as a whole. This initiative enables our partners to meet resort representatives face-to-face, get updates straight from the source, and build stronger synergies.”
Speaking about the Delhi leg of the roadshow, Foreman added, “We have had a fantastic start. We hosted a vibrant gathering of trade partners and media, and shared exciting developments, such as the opening of our second JW Marriott property in the Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, and the reopening of W Maldives following a full-scale renovation. We also announced the upcoming Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi, set to debut in Q4 of 2026. This is a true roadshow spirit, nonstop movement, back-to-back cities, and energized conversations. But the real highlight is that our partners get to discover resorts they may not have worked with before, all under the trusted Marriott umbrella.”
Each resort brought its own unique perspective, showcasing how it tailors its offerings to the Indian traveller’s evolving preferences, whether it’s culinary personalization, brand loyalty, location convenience, or experiential richness.
Vijay Kumar, General Manager, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, emphasised the resort’s ecological location and proximity to natural wonders. He said, “At the Westin Maldives, we are uniquely located in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. What makes this even more special is our closeness to Hanifaru Bay, globally renowned for its seasonal gatherings of manta rays. Between May and October, guests can snorkel among these gentle giants, a rare, awe-inspiring experience. The Indian market holds great significance for us. Being geographically close, India offers consistent business and cultural vibrancy. Indian travellers bring diversity and enthusiasm, and we see tremendous opportunity in further cultivating this relationship.”
Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, Sales Manager – UK, GCC & Asia at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, spoke about how the resort combines accessibility with authentic marine encounters.
He said, “India has always been one of our top markets, owing to its proximity and growing affinity for the Maldives. For many Indian families and honeymooners, the Maldives is an easy getaway, with a visa on arrival, direct flights, and now, world-class Marriott properties.”
He added, “What makes Le Méridien stand out is our house reef, located just 400 meters from the beach. Guests, whether first-time swimmers or avid snorkelers, can easily access coral reefs, spot turtles, and enjoy rich marine biodiversity. Additionally, our 430-square-meter greenhouse produces fresh vegetables and herbs that go directly to our kitchens. This sustainable, farm-to-table concept has been a hit among Indian travellers who value wellness and freshness.”
Paravee Mavichak, Director of Sales & Marketing at the newly opened JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, highlighted the property’s USP for Indian travellers. He shared, “We are proud to say that we are one of the most accessible luxury resorts in the Maldives. Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, we cater perfectly to the Indian market’s need for comfort, speed, and efficiency. In less than 30 minutes from arrival, guests can be checked into their overwater villa.
Beyond convenience, the resort is nestled in the largest natural lagoon in the Maldives. The dual-toned ocean view, turquoise and deep blue, creates a mesmerizing visual contrast that is incredibly photogenic and serene. It’s the kind of beauty that Indian travellers increasingly seek, immersive yet luxurious.”
Melanie Diwa, Senior Sales Manager at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, stressed the power of brand connection. She shared, “The St. Regis brand resonates strongly with the Indian HNI segment. Many of our guests are already familiar with St. Regis hotels in Mumbai, Goa, or even New York. So when they come to our Maldivian property, they carry expectations of personalized service, timeless elegance, and curated experiences, and we exceed them. The Maldives is a natural extension for the St. Regis guest, those seeking intimate luxury, privacy, and distinctive design. As Indian travellers move further into the luxury segment, we’re seeing steady growth and repeat visitation.”
Analiezl Diz Lising, Director of Sales, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, spotlighted culinary customization as a core strength. He said, “One of the biggest reasons Indian guests love JW Marriott Maldives is because of our culinary flexibility. Many of our visitors have dietary restrictions, vegetarian, Jain, and gluten-free, and we take this very seriously. Our chefs meet guests upon arrival, discuss their preferences, and design meals that suit their palate without compromising quality. Last year, we were awarded Best Culinary Resort in the Maldives, and that recognition is well-deserved. Food is a big part of the Indian travel experience, and we make sure it’s exceptional.”
Made Suardika, Assistant Director of Sales, W Maldives, spoke about the resort’s service philosophy and refreshed positioning post-renovation. He said, “The Indian market is one of our top five nationalities, and their affinity for lifestyle-driven luxury fits perfectly with the W brand. We operate on a ‘Whatever/Whenever’ service promise, whatever the guest wants, whenever they need it. After 19 years, we have recently completed a full renovation, elevating our villas, restaurants, and public areas. The property is now fully reimagined, and we want our Indian partners to understand the value behind the new W experience. Yes, pricing has increased, but so has the quality across every touchpoint.”
Ahmed Sabah, Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, emphasized cross-property luxury. He said, “Our Indian guests frequently opt for our premium villas, reflecting their growing appetite for uncompromising luxury. One of our biggest assets is our integration with Patina Maldives. Guests can stay at The Ritz-Carlton and explore the neighbouring resort, enjoying multiple dining and leisure options under a single stay. This ‘dual-resort’ experience adds another layer of value that truly appeals to discerning Indian travellers.”
Rahul Gupta, Senior Sales Manager – India Market at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, closed the session with an emphasis on familiarity and inclusivity. He said, “Sheraton is a trusted name in Indian households. Our Indian guests immediately connect with the brand and feel at home. We have made it a point to cater to them thoughtfully, with a dedicated Indian restaurant, Masala Hut, alongside Mexican, Mediterranean, Asian, and Thai cuisine. We see growing demand from Indian families, destination weddings, and celebratory groups. Our goal through this roadshow is to expand our partnerships and increase our visibility among new agents and operators who may not yet know everything we offer.”
With direct connectivity, visa-on-arrival facilities, and a growing appetite for premium travel among Indian consumers, the Maldives continues to be a priority destination for Indian outbound travellers. Marriott International’s strategic effort to bring all eight resorts together in India signifies not just marketing outreach but a deeper intent to foster long-term business partnerships.
“This isn’t a one-time campaign,” Peter Foreman concluded. “It’s about building a foundation for sustained growth, driven by trust, knowledge sharing, and mutual value. We are excited for what lies ahead, in Mumbai and Bangalore, and in our continued relationship with India.”
