MATI – Highlights of Q1 2022

Thursday 5th of May 2022

From the revocation of the State of Public Health Emergency in the Maldives to a global shift towards travel in the new normal, the year 2022 began hopefully for the travel and tourism industry in the Maldives. However, with the unprecedented crisis between Russia and Ukraine disrupting the CIS market, major socio-economic and geo-political shocks upset the earmarked goals for the local industry.

According to MATI Matters Newsletter on the first quarter of 2022, the organization reveals how more than 3000+ room nights were affected due to the unfavorable travel restrictions amid the crisis in one of the major source markets to the nation.

Members who took part in the survey claim that 20-40% of their clientele is from this region. Despite the challenges, the report highlights achieving 431,250 arrivals in Q1 of 2022, representing a 44.4% increase compared to 298,570 arrivals in Q1 of 2021. Moreover, the occupancy average also rose 7.5% in comparison to the same time last year, to 68.2%. Stats on positive TGST collection and increased air traffic moments are also briefed in the report.

In his comments, the Secretary-General of MATI, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer shared insight into the many works of MATI with stakeholders of the local industry and economy to bring about constructive solutions in various fields of operation for service providers. 3 Executive Board meetings took place at MATI in the quarter, as part of the regular monthly tourism sector discussions with MATATO, GAM, and NBAM. MATI is also actively engaged with the Ministry of Tourism for discussions on Tourism Industry Stakeholder meetings and Golden Jubilee Steering Committee meetings.

One of the key highlights of the quarter for MATI is the launch of the “Chevening / Maldives Association of Tourism Industry Scholarships” Program together with the British High Commission of Maldives.