Home to the most extensive coral-fringed beaches, Maldives has set an industry standard with the experiences it offers, the stories it tells, and the hospitality it gives to all who visit. The year 2008 saw the birth of guesthouse tourism, the Maldives did not just adapt to it but rose all the way to the top.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) was held on Saturday, in the Hotel JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La for the board elections. Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators is a non-profit organization founded by a group of four passionate tour operators in 2006. The association has grown exponentially over the years and now stands at the front line of the Maldivian tourism industry. The elections were concluded with Abdulla Giyas Riyaz elected as the President for his tenure of four years furthermore, Mohamed Haleel and Shaaz Waleed were elected as MATATO’s two vice presidents. Mohamed Bassam Adam as the Treasurer, along with 6 new members were elected to the Board.
After being elected, President Giyas stated that MATATO’s first move will be to recover from the financial scars that were inflicted upon the industry by the pandemic. In a further comment, he also stated upholding the local talent and supporting the local travel agencies will also be prioritised.
