Suood elected as MATATO President

Abdulla Suood, on Monday, was elected as the President of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO).

The decision was made at the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) which was held at Hotel Jen in the capital city Male’.

The former MATATO President Abdulla Giyas, who stepped down from his position, spoke of the successes achieved by the association during his tenure.

In addition to considerable work in promoting Maldives as a holiday destination, Giyas proudly noted that company profits now exceeded MVR 4 million compared to an initial figure of about MVR 300,000.

Notably, five board members were also elected during the AGM. This includes Mohamed Firaag, Aminath Neena Nizar, Mohamed Haleel, Ignaz Mansoor and Hathim Hassan.

MATATO also increased membership fees from MVR 5000 to MVR 7000. The non-voters fee, previously set at MVR 3000, was also increased to MVR 5000.

Although the Ministry of Home Affairs refused to approve the move when it was passed earlier by the AGM, MATATO also passed a decision to appoint an independent Secretary-General.

MATATO has also decided to rebrand itself and jointly manage Maldives promotion with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).