MATATO Launches Student Chapter to Empower Future Travel Industry Leaders
Thursday 25th of July 2024
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) is thrilled to announce the launch of the MATATO Student Chapter. This dedicated wing of MATATO is specifically designed for students and will be operated by student members under MATATO’s guidance.
The primary aim of the MATATO Student Chapter is to create a platform that empowers youth, fosters leadership skills, enhances industry knowledge, and provides valuable experience to benefit their future careers. This initiative will serve as a springboard for young minds eager to make a mark in the travel and tourism industry.
Eligibility for joining the MATATO Student Chapter is broad, requiring students to be enrolled in any registered educational institute and to be over 16 years old. This inclusive criterion ensures that a wide range of students can take advantage of the opportunity to grow and learn.
Initially focusing on Malé, MATATO has ambitious plans to expand this initiative to other regions and islands of the Maldives. The goal is to create a network of student chapters across the country, providing students from various areas with the opportunity to participate and benefit from this enriching experience.
In the long term, MATATO plans to connect these student chapters with the international Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Student Chapters. PATA has over 20 student chapters worldwide, including in countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, UAE, Malaysia, Japan, India, Hong Kong, Canada, Vietnam, Switzerland, and Australia. These PATA Student Chapters operate on the principle of “for students, by students,” providing a powerful platform for youth globally to become changemakers and drive the responsible and sustainable development of the tourism industry.
This connection will offer Maldivian students the chance to collaborate and network with their international peers, contributing to and learning from a global movement towards sustainable tourism development. The MATATO Student Chapter in Malé represents a significant opportunity for students to develop essential skills, gain industry knowledge, and prepare for successful careers in the travel and tourism sector. With the guidance of MATATO and the potential for international connections through PATA, student members will be well-equipped to become the future leaders of the industry.
MATATO's initiative is a strategic step towards nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals in the Maldives. By providing students with hands-on experience, leadership opportunities, and international networking prospects, the MATATO Student Chapter aims to build a robust foundation for the future of the Maldivian travel and tourism industry.