The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) Fathmath Thaufeeq has reaffirmed the Maldives’ government commitment to responsible and inclusive tourism development, while speaking at the Maldives Media Meet held this Tuesday on the sidelines of ITB Berlin 2024. This press conference was hosted by Visit Maldives and led by CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq. 

In her speech, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq revealed that the Maldives has achieved remarkable success in the tourism sector, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023 with over 1.8 million visitors, a record-breaking accomplishment in worldwide tourism recovery. February 2024 further solidified this success, marking the highest monthly and daily arrivals in the country's tourism history. 

Recognising the evolving preferences of travellers, she explained that MMPRC is actively introducing initiatives to promote new tourism segments, such as cultural, sports, and medical tourism, catering to a wider range of interests and fostering a more diverse tourism landscape. At the same time, she noted that MMPRC is also working to strengthen existing segments like nautical tourism, ensuring the Maldives remains a premier destination for various travel styles. 

Speaking further, CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq noted that the government plans to facilitate more transit hotels in Male and Hulhumale to cater specifically to short-stay travellers and stopovers, offering new and unique experiences within the vibrant city communities. This initiative will also open doors for more unique products and experiences targeted towards short-stay and stopover tourists, including those travelling for working holidays, she said.

Development efforts are also extending to the southernmost areas of the Maldives according to the CEO & MD as efforts that are not only economically beneficial but will also positively impact local communities in the south of the Maldives. Visit Maldives initiated work on this front with the introduction of Visit Maldives’ Atolls website segment, solely for the promotion of the variety of diverse stay options, services and experiences unique to each atoll. 

Finally, she highlighted that President○ Dr Mohamed Muizzu's government is working on a special program aimed at increasing the number of women employed in the tourism sector. CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq shared her pride in being the first female CEO & MD of MMPRC and leading a board with a majority female composition, including the Chairperson, exemplifying the government's commitment to empowering women in this crucial sector. 

CEO & MD Fathmath Thaufeeq concluded her address by extending an invitation to everyone to visit the Maldives and experience the positive impact of these initiatives firsthand. "We are confident in the future of Maldivian tourism and its potential to create a lasting impact on the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere," she stated.