Maldives to open training resort in 2 years

The Maldives is set to open the groundbreaking training resort in collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU) within the next two years, according to Dr. Maryam Mariya, Minister of Higher Education. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance local participation and expertise in the nation’s thriving tourism industry.

Speaking to the press, Minister Mariya announced that the proposal for the resort has been completed and is currently undergoing review. She assured the public that the resort will begin operations as soon as investors are secured, with a target launch date set within the next two years.

The training resort, based in Laamu Atoll, is designed to attract international students interested in studying tourism, with the ultimate goal of addressing a key challenge in the Maldives’ tourism sector: the underrepresentation of Maldivians in high-ranking positions.

The project comes at a crucial time for the Maldivian tourism industry. According to the latest census, only 40 percent of those employed in the sector are Maldivians, equating to 22,337 people. The resort aims to offer specialised training and education to increase local expertise and boost Maldivians’ presence in key management roles.

The resort is expected to serve as both a tourism hub and an educational institution, offering students hands-on experience in one of the world’s most sought-after tourism destinations. By doing so, it seeks to elevate the skill set of Maldivians and empower them to take on leadership positions in an industry that is a key driver of the nation’s economy.

This initiative marks a significant step toward solving the shortage of Maldivians in senior positions, a move that could redefine the landscape of the tourism industry in the Maldives.