Tourism pioneers Hussain Afeef, Mohamed Moosa receive highest national honour
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin on tourism pioneer Champa Hussain Afeef and tourism entrepreneur Champa Mohamed Moosa, recognising their contributions to the development of the Maldives’ tourism industry and economy.
The honours were presented on Sunday during the official ceremony marking the 61st Independence Day of the Maldives.
Afeef and Moosa were among four individuals to receive the national honour. Dr Mohamed Latheef was recognised for his contribution to education, while Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa was honoured for his work in religious education and public awareness.
Afeef was recognised for his role in the establishment and development of the Maldives’ tourism industry. He was involved in establishing Kurumba Village, the country’s first tourist resort, which marked the beginning of the nation’s resort-based tourism sector.
He later co-founded the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), an organisation representing tourism operators and stakeholders. He currently serves as its chairman.
Afeef is also a co-owner and shareholder of Crown & Champa Resorts, which operates a portfolio of resorts across the Maldives.
His previous national recognitions include the National Award of Encouragement, the National Award of Honour, the Most Distinguished State Service Award and the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Muleege.
Moosa was honoured for his contribution to tourism, business and national development.
After completing his studies in India, he returned to the Maldives and entered business through agricultural ventures. He later established Champa Wholesale, which became a supplier of food and beverage products to businesses, including those operating in the tourism sector.
His business activities expanded into tourism, media, aviation and financial services. His interests have included the development of Addu International Airport and Madivaru Domestic Airport, as well as involvement in establishing the Maldives Finance and Leasing Company and the Commercial Bank of Maldives.
Moosa also established the media outlets DhiFM and DhiTV and supported education through the Alifulhu Thuttu Foundation.
He has previously received the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Muleege and the Tourism Gold Award. In 2024, the South Asian Travel Awards recognised Moosa and Afeef with its Face of South Asia Tourism Award for their contributions to the regional tourism industry.
