50 Years of Tourism Awards by MATI concludes in Kurumba Maldives

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) was established in the Maldives in 1982 with the aim of promoting tourism in the nation. For almost four decades, the non-profit, non-governmental organization has assisted with issues relating to travel and tourism in the nation.

With a vision to ‘ Make Maldives the World Leader in Sustainable Tourism’, MATI has diligently steered towards its commitment in tourism. Coordinating with all mandatory government policy-making authorities to ensure that new rules and regulations are in line with industry best practices is one of MATI's primary responsibilities.

In line with 50 years of tourism for the Maldives, MATI hosted the ‘ 50 Years of Tourism Awards by MATI’ at the pioneer resort, Kurumba Maldives. The purpose of the celebration was to recognize groups and people who, during the past 50 years, have made significant contributions to the Maldives' tourism industry. His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended the occasion as the chief guest.

A total of 57 awards were given out, including 4 for pioneers in the Maldives tourism industry and 2 for former presidents who made significant contributions to the sector. The winners were chosen by a panel of veterans and industry professionals who thoroughly appraised and assessed each nomination.

The opening for the awards ceremony was given by the Chairman of MATI, Mr. Mohamed Umar Maniku, who was followed by statements from His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Better known as M U Maniku, the Chairman of MATI is signified as ‘ The Man Who Built Paradise’. With just the bare-bones in place, his decision to open Kurumba Village in 1972, the first resort of the Maldives, was a revolutionary stance for the country.

In 1987, Kurumba Village was established as a world-class resort which put the Maldives up on par with other luxury destinations of the world.

Universal Enterprises, founded in 1972 by Mohamed Umar Maniku and his brother Ahmed Umar Maniku, is one of the most prestigious companies in the country with a diverse portfolio of tourism affiliated and other businesses in tow. The company holds partnerships with international brands, further strengthening its prestige.

Mr. Hussain Afeef, Vice Chairman of MATI, delivered the closing comments. Mr. Afeef played a vital role in the expansion of tourism since its inception in the Maldives. Crown and Champa Resorts, is a leading group, listed in the top 100 companies of the country, operating in different atolls of the Maldives, with a comprehensive list of tourism related establishments. Due to consistent efforts in scaling up and revolutionizing the tourism industry of the Maldives has received the "Corporate Maldives Lifetime Achievement Award".

Given that this year is the Golden Jubilee of Tourism, MATI has planned a number of events. This includes a partnership between Chevening; the UK government's international awards program and the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) for scholarships, the publication of two coffee table books by Mr. Mauroof Jameel and Dr. Simad Saeed titled "50 Years of Tourism in Maldives - the Pioneers, People, and Policies that Shaped the Industry," as well as a symposium.

The 50 Years of Tourism Awards ceremony proved to be a fruitful networking session with industry leaders and tourism industry representatives with dinner marking the event's conclusion.