- Local agents increases employment
- Reduces dollars sent abroad
- Path to sustainable development
Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has stated that 25 percent of the tourists to Maldives are brought in by local travel agents.
Speaking in the Guesthouse Conference yesteday, MATATO President Abdullah Ghiyas said that local travel agents lent a positive contribution to the economy and tourism sector. He said the Guesthouse Conference was a step in the right direction for local travel agents, who had directly benefited from guesthouses.
"25 percent of arrivals to the Maldives come from local travel agents," Ghiyas said.
He said increased participation from local travel agents will address many issues facing economy, resolve the employment issue and the issue of foreign cash in the market. He advocated for more opportunities to local agents and agencies.
