The summit, held at Kurumba Maldives, was attended by tourism pioneers, industry leaders, key stakeholders, and the top management of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
Destination Future, a non-governmental organization working to promote sustainable tourism in Maldives, has said that their inaugural Future Summit was a success.
The summit, held at Kurumba Maldives, was attended by tourism pioneers, industry leaders, key stakeholders, and the top management of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
The summit was inaugurated by Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, who emphasized the importance of striving for a more sustainable and innovative tourism industry.
Dr Simad Saeed, Managing Director of CDE Consulting, delivered a keynote speech titled "Brand Maldives, Today and Tomorrow – A Sustainability Perspective." His address centered on key aspects of sustainability, including environmental protection, economic viability, and human capital development. Dr Saeed highlighted that integrating these sustainable practices is essential for maintaining the Maldives' prestigious brand positioning and ensuring long-term success in the competitive global tourism market.
Additionally, he advocated for integrating awareness programs into schools to foster a deeper understanding of the tourism industry's impact and importance among the youth. He suggested that by embedding tourism education early, the Maldives can cultivate a new generation of informed and engaged citizens committed to supporting and advancing sustainable tourism practices.
The summit's first panel discussion focused on balancing tourism growth with sustainability. Before the discussion, Vice Chair of Destination Future Amjad Thaufeeg presented on the topic, exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with this balance.
Amjad emphasized the need for strategic planning and innovative solutions to achieve growth while maintaining environmental and social responsibilities. His insights aimed to guide stakeholders in making informed decisions that support the advancement of the tourism sector while preserving the Maldives' unique natural and cultural assets.
He later moderated a panel discussion on the same topic, joined by industry leaders, including Marteyne Van Well, General Manager of Six Senses, Ahmed Jihad, General Manager of Cocoon, Dr Simad Saeed, Managing Director of CDE, Ruth Franklin, Founder of Secret Paradise, and Fathimath Shaazleen, Resort Manager of Naladhu Private Island.
The summit also featured a panel discussion on reimagining destination marketing, moderated by Rifaa Saeed, Director of Sales and Marketing at Dusit Maldives. Esteemed panelists included Suresh Dissanayake (Assistant Vice President of Heritance Aarah and Adaaran Maldives), Ali Nihad (Area Director of Sales and Marketing at IHG Maldives), Aydin Yasayacak (CEO of Loti), and Nuaas Mohanmed (Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, COMO Hotels and Resorts).
The last panel of the summit was held the topic "Diversifying beyond Sun, Sand and Sea" was led by Inad Ibrahim, Director of Sales and Marketing at Oaga Art Resort. Panelists included Ibrahim Shiuree (CEO and MD of MMPRC), Abdulla Nabeel (a leading tourism professional in the Maldives), Dr Sunny Umar (Founder of Halal Travel Maldives), and Mark Eletr (General Manager of Holiday Inn Kandooma).
The discussion centered on exploring new avenues for attracting a diverse range of traveler segments. Panelists examined strategies to expand the Maldives' appeal beyond traditional markets, considering emerging travel trends and evolving global tourist preferences.
They shared insights on tailoring marketing efforts to different demographics, enhancing the destination's inclusivity, and leveraging unique selling points to attract various traveler profiles.
Another highlight of the summit was a presentation by Maldives Airports Company Limited, which provided insights into the future of the Maldives' aviation and infrastructure. The presentation focused on the development of a new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA).
In his closing remarks, Hamza Saeed, President of Destination Future, urged the industry to shift from ongoing experimentation to a focus on well-established, effective strategies. He emphasized the critical need for consistency and adherence to proven practices to ensure long-term success and stability.
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