MATI Member Forum 2023 addresses critical challenges in Maldives tourism: Climate change resilience, resort employment, and industry performance

On 14^th December 2023, the Maldives Association of Tourism industry (MATI) concluded the 2^nd edition of the MATI Member Forum. The event took place at H.Meerumaa, Male’ and was attended by senior Government officials and Members of MATI.

Senior Governmental officials included the Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hon. Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Hon. Dr. Maryam Mariya and Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Tourism.

The key thematic areas of the 2nd Edition of the MATI Member Forum revolved around resort sector employment challenges and mitigating the impact of severe weather events and climate change related risks. During the proceedings, the Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) also shared their rationale on Detail Design Reports for water and sewerage, electricity and waste management systems for the existing resorts. Updates and progress of the new Velana International Airport Terminal was also shared by the Maldives Airports Company Limited.

The Forum concluded with remarks and a short presentation on Tourism Industry performance by the Secretary General of MATI, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer. He stressed the importance of such an event where key stakeholders get together for discussions on pressing issues and challenges of the tourism industry as well as to share experiences and knowledge. He also requested for a greater collective effort, together with Governmental agencies in finding meaningful solutions to the issues and challenges faced by the Industry. In terms of Tourism Industry performance, he highlighted concerns over the increasing number of unutilised beds which in turn was leading to declining occupancy levels.