Mufaddal Idris Khumri, Managing Director and CEO of Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), expressed concerns that the tourism sector is not generating sufficient revenue speaking at the MIB Guesthouse Symposium held at CROSSROADS Maldives.
Mufaddal Idris Khumri, Managing Director and CEO of Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), expressed concerns that the tourism sector is not generating sufficient revenue speaking at the MIB Guesthouse Symposium held at CROSSROADS Maldives.
He emphasized the potential for guesthouses to enhance tourism revenue by diversifying marketing efforts beyond the traditional focus on beaches and ocean experiences.
Mufaddal highlighted the growing popularity of cultural tourism, suggesting that guesthouses can provide unique experiences that cater to this demand.
He said that the guesthouse industry could yield significant economic benefits for individuals and islands while contributing to national income. He added that this sector could have the potential to create numerous job and development opportunities.
The symposium, attended by over 75 participants, featured a morning panel discussion focused on enhancing the guesthouse experience.
Moderated by MIB Chief People Officer Fathimath Ula, the panel included experts such as Tourism and Hospitality Consultant Dr Zakiyya Moosa and Global Keynote Speaker Afeef Hussain. Discussions centered around effective marketing strategies and service quality improvement through training.
The symposium is set to continue with two more panel discussions, where young creators will also showcase their business ideas, culminating at 17:30 hrs today.
Mufaddal encouraged participants to leverage the opportunities presented at the symposium to strengthen their networks within the tourism sector.