Maldives Reaffirms Commitment to Responsible Tourism at ITB Berlin 2024
Thursday 7th of March 2024
Fathmath Thaufeeq, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), reiterated the Maldives' commitment to responsible and inclusive tourism development at the Maldives Media Meet held during ITB Berlin 2024. Speaking at the press conference hosted by Visit Maldives, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq emphasized the country's strides in tourism recovery and its ongoing efforts to diversify the tourism landscape.
Highlighting the Maldives' tourism success, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq celebrated the country's record-breaking achievement of surpassing pre-pandemic visitor levels in 2023, with over 1.8 million visitors. She also noted February 2024 as a milestone month, marking the highest monthly and daily arrivals in the history of Maldivian tourism.
Acknowledging the changing preferences of travelers, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq outlined MMPRC's initiatives to promote new tourism segments, including cultural, sports, and medical tourism. These efforts aim to cater to a broader range of interests and ensure a diverse tourism landscape.
Furthermore, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq revealed plans to facilitate more transit hotels in Male and Hulhumale, catering specifically to short-stay travelers and stopovers. This initiative seeks to offer unique experiences within vibrant city communities and enhance the overall tourist experience.
Expanding development efforts to the southernmost areas of the Maldives, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq emphasized initiatives that benefit local communities economically while promoting tourism. Visit Maldives has initiated projects to promote diverse stay options, services, and experiences unique to each atoll through the Visit Maldives' Atolls website segment.
Additionally, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq highlighted the government's special program aimed at increasing female employment in the tourism sector. She expressed pride in leading MMPRC as the first female CEO & MD and leading a board with a majority female composition, showcasing the government's commitment to empowering women in tourism.
In conclusion, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq extended an invitation to all to experience the positive impact of these initiatives firsthand by visiting the Maldives. She expressed confidence in the future of Maldivian tourism and its potential to create a lasting impact on lives and livelihoods worldwide.