Aminath Suzan appointed as MATATO’s CEO, championing women’s empowerment in Maldives tourism

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) proudly announces the appointment of Aminath Suzan as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a significant stride towards diversity and leadership in the association.

Aminath Suzan, former Managing Director of Hotels and Resort Construction Pvt. Ltd, holds the distinction of being the first female Executive Board member of the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) and also an Executive Board member of National Federation of Maldivian Employers (NFME).

Suzan’s illustrious career commenced in the banking sector, where she served as the face of Premier Banking in HSBC Maldives for seven years. Transitioning to the construction industry, she achieved remarkable milestones, leading one of the major resort development companies in the Maldives. Notably, she represented the Maldives as the Chief Delegate in the 43rd International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations’ (IFAWPCA) Convention in South Korea and served as the Chief Executive for the organization of the 45th IFAWPCA Convention held in the Maldives.

In a male-dominated construction industry, Suzan has shattered barriers, demonstrating that women can excel in the field. In 2019, Women in Management Maldives recognized her outstanding service with their prestigious award, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in professional spheres.

An eloquent orator, Suzan has been acknowledged since childhood for her remarkable talent in hosting television programs. Her thought leadership is evident in co-authoring the report “Impact of Covid19 in the Maldives Construction Industry,” published by MNACI, and authoring “Tailoring a New Reality – Employer’s Dialogue” based on the Webinar Series organized by NFME. Suzan holds an MBA from the University of Cumbria, United Kingdom.

In a country where tourism contributes significantly to the GDP, only 5% of local women are employed in the Maldives Tourism sector. This underrepresentation underscores the urgent need for gender equality and empowering women in key industries. As a pivotal player in the Maldives’ tourism landscape, MATATO recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment and promoting opportunities for women in tourism. Aminath Suzan’s appointment as CEO reflects MATATO’s commitment to gender diversity and leadership in the tourism sector.

“Empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a fundamental necessity for fostering sustainable growth in our nation’s vital industries, especially tourism. Aminath Suzan’s appointment stands as a testament, demonstrating our commitment to breaking down gender barriers and fostering a more inclusive and dynamic tourism sector in the Maldives. With 2024 set as our target year for local travel agents, we firmly believe Suzan will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal,” stated MATATO President Abdulla Ghiyas.