Capital Travel celebrates 35th anniversary, unveils new booking engine

Capital Travel & Tours Maldives marked its 35th anniversary with a gala held at Jen Hotel in Malé Monday.

Established in 1990, the company has developed into a long-standing travel organisation in the Maldives, working with partners across international markets and contributing to the country’s tourism sector.

The event brought together guests, industry representatives, and partners. A video presentation was screened during the programme, outlining the company’s progress since its founding and its plans for the years ahead.

The gala also featured a preview of Capital Travel’s new internally developed booking engine, introduced as part of the company’s efforts to adopt modern systems to support client and partner requirements.

The event was attended by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih; former Minister of Tourism, Dr Abdulla Mausoom; former Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahmoud Shaugy; and the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Visit Maldives, Ibrahim Shiuree.

Addressing the gathering, Capital Travel’s Chief Executive Officer Yoosuf Riffath spoke about the company’s early operational difficulties and its long-term growth. He recalled the reliance on postal correspondence during the early years, noting the delays involved in exchanging letters with foreign travel agents and the frequent challenges caused by address changes.

He said that the company began operations at a time when infrastructure and resources in the Maldives were limited, but that technological developments have since transformed the industry. He highlighted improvements in internet access and the impact of digital communication on tourism-related work across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer also discussed Capital Travel’s role in human resource development, international promotion, and its ongoing work to support the Maldives’ presence in global tourism markets.

As the company moves into its next phase, Capital Travel & Tours stated that it remains focused on strengthening its services and contributing to the continued growth of the tourism sector.