Maldives Tourism Conference commences at Crossroads Maldives

Maldives Tourism Conference 2019 has commenced at Crossroads Maldives in Emboodhoo Lagoon.

The conference being hosted by the Tourism Ministry was organised as part of the ongoing celebrations of World Tourism Day.

Inaugurating the ceremony, Tourism Minister Ali Waheed said the government wishes to develop and enhance the country's tourism with the collaboration of all involved in the industry. The ministry revealed the ministry had recently finished inspecting all the tourism facilities in the country in order to address the issues faced by the industry.

Acknowledging the contribution of the industry in the development of tourism in Maldives in the past 47 yeas, Minister Waheed said the tourism day celebrations were being carried out with the financial assistance of the industry.

The minister highlighted the events of the Tourism Day celebrations, and noted that the Maldives had attempted and succeeded in breaking the Guiness world record on the most number of people free-diving simultaneously.

"I happily note that a large number of tourists from Singapore and China traveled to the Maldives for the event", said the minister.

The guest of honor of the conference was the Chairman of Maldives Association of Tourism Industries (MATI) Ahmed Umar Manik.

Speaking at the ceremony, Umar Manik said while it has been 47 years since the tourism industry was introduced to the Maldives, the Maldives is now one of the most popular travel destinations despite its humble beginning.

In his remark, Manik highlighted the efforts undertaken by MATI to train professionals for the industry.

"We are proud to note that MATI recently conducted a traditional stone carving course for ten participants . We have understood that there are opportunities even for traditional craftsman and artisans within the industry. We have also teamed up with Maldives Association of HR professionals to conduct programs for school children", sad Manik.

The Tourism Conference is targeted for stakeholders in the tourism industry. During the conference, penal discussions on issues faced by the industry will be conducted, including discussions on environmental issues and opportunities for local craftsmen and artists.