Tourism Ministry has revealed grand plans being organized to celebrate World Tourism Day in the Maldives.
At a press conference held Thursday to disclose information on the events organized to mark the occasion, Minister Ali Waheed said seven main events will be conducted.
All events will be organized and carried out with the assistance and support of businesses in the tourism ministry, including the expenses incurred.
"President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has worked to ensure that the country and people's concerns are addressed through the tourism sector. This time, the [events will be organized] with the participation of the industry, so even if fireworks are used, the tax payer's money will no be touched", said Ali Waheed.
Many businesses and top tourism brands will will be sponsoring the World Tourism Day events, including Crown and Champa Company, Villa Groups, Universal and several resorts. Letters of sponsorship were handed over on Thursday.
Events planned for World Tourism Day
26th September : Canoe Race in Vaavu Atoll.
27th September : Free Dive World Record attempt in Baros reef.
27th and 28th September : Tourism Job Fair in Male'.
1st October : Foundation laying of Tourism Center in Angolhitheem.
2nd October : Tourism Open Day.
3rd October : Kids football fiesta.
4th October : Tourism Conference Gala Night.
An inter-atoll canoe race will be held in Vaavu atoll, in which participants in the women's category will canoe from V. Keyodhoo to V.Thinadhoo, The men's category participants will canoe from Felidhoo to Thinadhoo. The event will be documented and live streamed to the world. After the event a dinner night will be held in Keyodhoo, which will begin with the traditional blowing of conch shell, and fireworks display.
An attempt will be made to break the current world record for 'Most people free diving simultaneously'. While the current record is 280 people, achieved by Verona, Italy in 2009, Maldives will attempt the break the record wiyh 500 simultaneous divers. World Free-diving champion William Trubridge will be taking part in the event scheduled to take place in Baros lagoon.
While a fireworks display will be held in Male' City, the foundation of the fist ever Tourism Visitors Center will be laid on October 1st in R. Angolhitheem. This center will be the first of many tourism visitors centers that will be established across the Maldives to promote guesthouse tourism.
The visitors center will be developed with the assistance of Heritage Ministry, and will provide information on the Culture and History of Maldives.
An open day will also be held to provide information on the Tourism Ministry's services to local students. A Kids Football Fiesta in which students from schools in Hulhumal'e, Male' and Villimale will participate will also be held. The best player of the tournament will be awarded the opportunity to train at the Spanish Soccer School in Dubai. Former Spain footballer defender of the team MÃchel Salgado will be taking part in this event.
Furthermore, a tourism conference will also be held at Paradise Island Resort To celebrate the World Tourism Day.
