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AMonthlyPublicationbyMaldivesAssociationof TravelAgentsandTourOperators(MATATO)

MATATO NEWS

MATATO Unveils “Maldives Finder 2025” at WTM London 2024

MATATO dashboard

2023

63,118 total Operational beds in Maldives as at 21 December 2024 Sources:

Maldives

Monthly Arrivals, 2022 – 2024 (as of 21 Dec)

Maldives Top 10 Markets 2024 (as of 21 Dec)

Tourist Accommodation (as of 21 Dec 2024)

Upcoming properties

Property

Hyatt Regency Samarafushi

Aman Maldives

Maxx Royal Maldives

Capella Maldives, Fari Islands

Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives

Zamani Islands

ananea Madivaru

Centara Mirage Lagoon

Infinite Maldives by Cocoon

Meyyafushi

Avalon Maldives

Villa Haven

Nammos Maldives

Joali Lagoon

JW Marriott Emboodhoo Finolhu

dusit D2 Feydhoo Finolhu

Capella Maldives

Centara Lagoon

Centara Grand Muthaafushi

Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef

Source: HotelierMaldives

North Male Atoll 2027

Vaavu Atoll 2026

North Male Atoll 2027

South Male Atoll 2027

South Male Atoll 2025

North Ari Atoll 2025

North Male Atoll 2024

Malé Atoll 2025

Lhaviyani Atoll 2024

Dhaalu Atoll 2024

South Ari Atoll 2024

Malé Atoll 2025

Malé Atoll 2024

Malé Atoll 2025

Baa Atoll 2024

South Male Atoll 2025

Upcoming MMPRC Fairs

Source: MMPRC/VisitMaldives* TentativeFairs

ECONOMIC UPDATE

Source: MaldivesMonetaryAuthority(MMA)

MATATO Unveils “Maldives Finder 2025”

MATATO Unveils “Maldives Finder 2025” at WTM London 2024

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has officially launched the latest edition of its annual publication, Maldives Finder 2025, at the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024. The launch was graced by the Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, further emphasizingthesignificanceofthis initiative in showcasing the Maldives as a premier travel destination.

Thisyear’sMaldivesFinder2025hasbeenpublishedwiththeendorsementoftheMaldivesMarketingand Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the Ministry of Tourism. The magazine serves as a comprehensiveguide,offeringdetailedinsightsintotheMaldives’richofferings,includingitsuniquelocal cuisines,photographyservices,and thevibrantcultureandheritageoftheislandnation. Stunningvisuals highlighting the natural beauty of the Maldives, coupled with informative content, make it an essential resourcefortravelersplanningtheirdreamvacation.

Thepublicationalsofeaturescontributionsfrominfluentialbusinessleadersandprominentfiguresinthe tourismsector,sharingvaluableinsightsandperspectives.Additionally,itprovidespracticalandimportant informationforvisitorseagertoexperiencetheMaldives.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, MATATO CEO Aminath Suzan highlighted the magazine’s primary goal: promoting the Maldives on the global stage. “Maldives Finder 2025 is a testament to our commitment to elevatetheMaldives’tourismindustry,engagewithinternationalaudiences,andinspiretravelersworldwide todiscovertheunparalleledbeautyofourislands,”shesaid.

TheMaldivesFinderaimstoplayapivotalroleinpositioningtheMaldivesasatop-of-minddestinationfor travelers,whilealsocelebratingthecountry’sculturalheritageandtourismexcellenceonaglobalplatform.

MATATO

Launches 'Frame by MATATO 2025': One of Maldives’ Biggest Art Competitions

MATATO Launches 'Frame by MATATO 2025': One of Maldives’ Biggest Art Competitions

TheMaldivesAssociationofTravelAgentsandTourOperators(MATATO)hasofficiallylauncheditsannualart competitionandexhibition,FramebyMATATO.

ThisflagshipinitiativecelebratesMaldiviancreativityandhighlightsthenation’srichculture,mergingartand tourisminauniqueway.ThroughFramebyMATATO,theassociationaimstofosterinterestinthelocalcreative communitywhileshowcasingtheexceptionalartistictalentsofMaldivianstotouristsandthewiderpublic.

The2025editionofFramebyMATATOwillfeaturethetheme“TheMaldivianMystic,”makingitthefirst-ever exhibitionintheMaldivestobringthenation’sfolkloreandmythicaltalestolifethroughart.

Artistsacrossfouragecategoriesareencouragedtosubmittheirworkinvariousmediums,includingdrawings, paintings,3Dmodels,installations,andsculptures.Submissionswillbeacceptedfrom10December2024to20 January2025.

MATATO has announced that all entries will be carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, comprisingbothlocalandinternationalexperts.Fromthese,10entriesineachagecategorywillbeshortlisted forthegrandArtExhibition,whichwill beheldatthe NationalArtGalleryduringthefirstweekofFebruary 2025.

For the firsttime inFrame byMATATO, winnerswill be selected through public voting,allowingattendeesa uniqueopportunitytoengagedirectlywiththeartworkandtheartists.

Thiseventhasgarneredthesupportofkeyinstitutions,includingtheMinistryofTourism,theMinistryofYouth Empowerment, Information, and Art, the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the National Centre for the Arts (NCA), the Maldives AssociationofTourismIndustry(MATI),theMaldivianArtistCommunity(MAC),andtheNationalHotelsand GuesthousesAssociationofMaldives(NHGAM).

ThroughFramebyMATATO,theassociationaspirestoelevateMaldivianartandcultureontheglobalstage.By providinga collaborativeplatform,it enablesartistsof allagestoexpresstheiruniqueinterpretationsofthe MaldivianMysticandsharetheircreativevisionswiththeworld.

Interestedindividualscanvisit www.framebymatato.com formoreinformationandtosubmittheirentries.

For over 18 years, MATATO has remained committed to the development of the Maldivian tourism industry throughunity,empowerment,andcollaboration,continuingtoplayavitalroleinshapingthecountry’stourism landscape.

MATATO Supports NHGAM in ‘I AM Maldives Roadshow’

Across Azerbaijan and Georgia

MATATO Supports NHGAM in ‘I AM Maldives Roadshow’ Across Azerbaijan and Georgia

The National Hotels and Guest House Association of Maldives (NHGAM), in collaboration with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives)andtheMaldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO), is proud to announcetheIAMMaldives Roadshow, scheduled to take place from December 17th to 20th, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Baku, Azerbaijan.

ThisdynamicB2BeventisdesignedtoenhancetheMaldives’presenceintheseemergingmarkets,promoting thedestinationtoa broaderaudienceandfosteringstrongerbusinessconnections. Withparticipationfrom 18co-exhibitors includingresorts,hotels,guesthouses,andtravelagencies theroadshowwillprovidea unique platform for Maldivian tourism stakeholders to connect with travel professionals, showcase their offerings, and cultivate new partnerships. The initiative also seeks to boost tourism arrivals by providing deeperinsightsintomarkettrendsandtravelerpreferencesinbothregions.

AbdullaNasheed,PresidentofNHGAM,expressedhisenthusiasmfortheinitiative,stating,“The‘IAMMaldives Roadshow’isamilestoneinoureffortstopromotelocalislandtourisminemergingmarkets.Azerbaijanand Georgiaofferimmensepotentialforourguesthousesandlocaltourismbusinesses.Throughthisroadshow,we aimtoforgemeaningfulconnectionsandopensustainablegrowthopportunitiesforourmembers.”

In preparation for the event, NHGAM and its partners are focused on strengthening regional ties with key stakeholders in both Azerbaijan and Georgia. To ensure seamless and cost-effective participation for the Maldives delegation, NHGAM has partnered with Air Arabia as the official travel partner. Additionally, Visit Maldives will organize a media and influencer familiarization trip in collaboration with Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL)tofurtheramplifytheMaldives’visibilitywithintheAzerbaijanimarket.

TheIAMMaldivesRoadshowsignalsthebeginningofaseriesofstrategicinitiativesaimedatexpandingthe Maldives’ market reach in 2025. NHGAM’s commitment to sustainable growth and its focus on emerging marketsreflectaforward-thinkingapproachtosupportingitsmembersandpromotingtheMaldivesasatoptierdestinationfortravelersworldwide.

Institute of Tourism Hosts Webinar on Sustainable Water-Based Tourism featuring MATATO

The Institute of Tourism recently organized a webinar titled "Water Based Tourism and Sustainability," bringing together experts from various sectors to discuss the integration of sustainablepracticesinaquatictourism.

Institute of Tourism Hosts Webinar on Sustainable Water-Based Tourism featuring MATATO

KeySpeakersandTheirContributions:

• Prof. Noel Scott: Professor of Tourism Management at the Sustainability Research Centre in Australia, Prof. Scottsharedinsightsonsustainabletourismmanagementpractices.

• Prof. Michail Toanoglou: Academic Director at IMHI, ESSEC Business School in France, Prof. Toanoglou discussedtheacademicperspectiveonsustainablewatertourism.

• Ms.AminathSuzan:CEOoftheMaldivesAssociationofTravelAgents&TourOperators,Ms.Suzanhighlighted theMaldives'initiativesinpromotingsustainableaquatictourism.

• Ms.JohannaFischer:RepresentingFrauBlauinGermany,Ms.Fischerfocusedonpioneeringwaterinnovation throughtourism.

• Dr.MaduraThivanka:SeniorLecturerandSustainableTourismScholaratEdithCowanUniversityinSriLanka, Dr.Thivankaprovidedacademicinsightsintosustainabletourism.

• Ms. Sonja Gottlebe: A Sustainable Tourism Expert and Eco-Lodge Pioneer from Madagascar, Ms. Gottlebe sharedherexperiencesindevelopingeco-friendlytourismaccommodations.

• Mr.JakubKondelka:LeadingglobalsalesatRIXENCablewayinGermany,Mr.Kondelkadiscussedeco-friendly solutionsinthetourismsector,particularlynear-zero-emissioncablewaysystems.

• Mr.AlexisdeSuremain:HospitalityBusinessDeveloperandOperatorinCambodia,Mr.deSuremainsharedhis experiencesinsustainablehospitalityoperations.

• Ms. Catherine Germier Hamel: Founder & CEO of Millennium Destinations in France, Ms. Hamel discussed sustainabledestinationmarketingstrategies.

• Dr.Reza Soltani:President oftheInstituteof Tourismin Belgium,Dr.Soltani providedopeningremarksand moderatedthesession.

Thewebinaremphasizedtheneedforsustainablepracticesinwater-basedtourismtoprotectaquaticecosystemsand ensurelong-termviability.Discussionsincludedinnovativesolutions,suchaseco-friendlycablewaysystems,andthe roleofcommunityengagementinpromotingsustainability.

Formoreinformationandaccesstothespeakers'presentations,visittheInstituteofTourism'sofficialwebsite.

Towatchthefullwebinar,clickonthevideobelow: https://institutetourism.com/watertourism/

PATA Patterns 2025 Travel Trends by PATA Chapter UK & Ireland

ThePacificAsiaTravelAssociation(PATA)UK&Irelandhasunveiledits2025 PATA Patterns report,highlightingemerging traveltrendsacrossthePacificAsiaregion.

ThereportdrawsinsightsfromPATA’sextensivenetwork,includingtouristboards,touroperators,airlines,andhoteliers, aimingtoequiptravelagentswithactionableguidancefor2025.Italsofeaturesover20newtoursandexperiences,eight upcominghotels,ninenewairlineroutes,andtrainingtipstailoredfortheregion.

ChrisCrampton,ChairmanofPATAUK&IrelandChapter,remarked: “Pacific Asia is poised for a great year ahead, as 2025 travel trends bring an exciting mix of opportunities for agents.”

Key Travel Trends for 2025

• Amazing Agents: Travel agents continue to play a vital role in handling complex itineraries, sustainability preferences,andnichetraveldemands.PATAissupportingthemwithafullscheduleof2025events.

• Away from the Crowds: Secondary destinations are on the rise as travellers seek personalised, crowd-free experiences.Tourismboardsarepromotingtheselocationstocombatover-tourism.

• The Real Deal: There’s a growing shift towards immersive, hyper-local experiences, moving away from massmarkettours.

• The Sky’s the Limit:Expandedairlineroutesandrestoredflightcapacityaremakingtravel totheregionmore affordableandaccessible.

• Wildlife Awaits:Wildlife-focusedtourismisbooming,withstandoutexperienceslikeobservingMalayanTigers inMalaysia,elephantcareinThailand,snorkelingwithdugongsinVietnam,andpandasightingsinChina.

• Sustainability Seekers:Eco-conscioustraveloptionsareindemandastravellersprioritisesustainabletourism practices.

• Rooms with Roots: Hotels are increasingly incorporating local culture and identity into their designs, offering authenticexperiencesthatsupportsurroundingcommunities.

• Set-Jetting:FilmandTV-inspiredtourismissurging,withPacificAsiabecomingatopdestinationforfansofonscreenlocations.

• Sporty Stays:Sportstourismcontinuestothrive,fuelledbymajoreventsandgrowinginterestinactiveholidays.

The PATA Patterns reportpositionstravelagentstocapitaliseonthesetrends,ensuringavibrantandsuccessful2025for PacificAsiatourism.

MATATO Addresses Key Challenges with MMA and Finance Ministry

TheMaldivesAssociationofTravel Agentsand TourOperators(MATATO)recently helda productivemeeting withthe Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), the nation’s central bank, to discuss challenges faced by local travel agents regardingdollarregulations.

Maldives Celebrates Arrival of 1 Millionth Tourist

Inaddition,MATATOhasformallywrittentotheMinisterofFinance,addressingconcernsovertheproposedtaxincreases andtheairportdeparturetax.

MATATO remains committed to advocating for its members and safeguarding the growth and competitiveness of the Maldivestourismsector.

MATATO Partners with Villa College to Boost Tourism Education

TheMaldivesAssociationofTravelAgentsandTourOperators(MATATO)hassignedanMOUwithVillaCollegetoenhance academicandprofessionalopportunitiesforitsmembersandfosterfuturetalentintourism.

ThepartnershipgrantsMATATOmembersaccesstotailoredcoursesandtrainingprograms,alongwithexclusivediscounts, toaddresstheevolvingneedsoftheindustry.Italsosupportshumancapitaldevelopment,akeyMATATOpriority,through initiativesaimedatequippingprofessionalswithessentialskills.

Additionally,theMOUintroducesaMATATOStudentChapteratVillaInternationalSchool,nurturingthenextgeneration oftourismprofessionals.

This collaboration reinforces MATATO’s commitment to strengthening the Maldives’ tourism workforce and its global reputationasaleadingtraveldestination.

MATATO Engages with Parliament Committee on Immigration Bill Amendments

TheMaldivesAssociationofTravelAgentsandTour Operators(MATATO)recentlymetwiththeParliamentCommittee todiscussproposedamendmentstotheImmigrationBill.

Duringthemeeting,MATATOhighlightedconcernsandsharedindustryperspectivesonhowtheproposedchangescould impacttourismandlocaltravelbusinesses.Theassociationemphasizedtheneedforpoliciesthatsupportthegrowthof thetourismsectorwhileaddressingnationalpriorities.

MATATOremainscommittedtoengagingwithstakeholdersandadvocatingforbalancedregulationsthatbenefitboththe tourismindustryandthebroaderMaldivianeconomy.

MATATO ACTIVITIES 2024

continues

December

• MATATOmetandthankedH.E.AmbassadorWangLixinforstrengtheningMaldives-Chinaties,inher farewellcall

MATATO ACTIVITIES 2024

• Frame by MATATO 2025 celebrates Maldivian creativity through the theme ‘The Maldivian Mystic,’ bringingfolkloretolifeinthenation’sfirst-everartexhibitionofitskind

• MATATOTalks,Episode3onArtandTourism,premiersonICETV

• MATATOwasontalksshowsonSanguTV,AsluTV,VTV

• MATATO warns travellers to stay cautious of fraudulent websites charging fees for Maldives tourist visas

• Successfullyconcluded‘IAMMALDIVESROADSHOW' inAzerbaijan&Georgia,aninitiativebyNHGAM incollaborationwith MATATO&VisitMaldives

November

• Transport Minister Ameen announced new measures to ensure jet handling revenue benefits Maldivians,MATATOlobbiedsinceJanuaryforthis

• MATATOLaunchesMaldivesFinder2025atWorldTravelMart(WTM)2024on5thNovember

• MATATOTalks,Episode2onHumanResources,premiersonICETV

• AirArabiaPartnerswithNHGAMforIAMMaldivesRoadshowincollaborationwithVisitMaldives& MATATO

• InstituteofTourismHostsWebinaronSustainableWater-BasedTourismfeaturingMATATO

• MATATOmetMMAandFinanceMinistry

October

• EaseMyTrip resumes Maldives bookings amid renewed India-Maldives relations, MATATO intermediatedmanydiscussions

• Villa College and MATATO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to elevate tourism educationandprofessionaldevelopment

• NHGAM,MMPRCandMATATOannounceMaldivesRoadshowinGeorgiaandAzerbaijanhappeningin December2024

• MATATOparticipatesandspeaksatMaldivesInternetGovernanceForum2024

• MATATOTalks,Episode1-DataandAIinTourism,premiersonICETV

MATATO ACTIVITIES 2024

September

• MATATOandICENetworkPartnerstoProduce"MATATOTalks"

• HotelierMaldivesGMForum2024tofeaturepanelon‘RedefiningtheLuxuryTravelExperience’

• MMPRCincollaborationwithNHGAMandMATATOalongwith23industrypartnersrepresentedthe MaldivesattheAsianTourismFair(ATF)Dhakafrom19-21September

• MATATOPartnerswithWTMOrganisersforWTMLondon2024

• The post conference report of the Women’s Edition of the Maldives Travel Conference 2024 was presentedtotheMinisterAishathShiham.

August

• MATATOsupportedtherelaunchofMalaysianAirlinesintheMaldivesatVelanaAirportevent

• MATATOJoinsForceswithMMPRCandNGHAMtoPromoteMaldivesatATF-Dhaka2024

• Fundamentals of Digital Marketing training held for MATATO facilitated by Business Center CorporationatSEED

• MATATOmadeacourtesycalltotheHighCommissionerofSriLankainMaldives,HisExcellencyRanga Goonawardena

• MATATOholdsMaldivesTravelConference2024–Women’sEditionatHotelJenMale’

• MATATOEndorsesGovernment’sFinancialReformsandSupportsDollarTaxation

• MMPRC/VisitMaldives,incollaborationwiththeMATATOshowcasedthediversetourismofferingsat thePATATravelMart2024,heldfromAugust27-29inBangkok,Thailand.

• MATATOReceivestheCertificateofSpecialRecognitionatPATATravelMart2024inBangkok

July

• MaldivesTravelAwards2024opensfornominations

• MATATO announces to Host First-Ever All-Women Maldives Travel Conference in partnership with HotelJenMale'

• MATATO opens registration for the free training on FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL MARKETING organisedbyBCCcuratedforMATATO

• MATATOannouncesopeningregistrationsforMATATOMale’StudentChapter

• MATATO and the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) had a productive meeting and discussedareastolobbytogetheronpolicy,andaddressedcommonchallengesfacedbytheindustry

• MMPRC, MATATO, and NHGAM, along with the Ministry of Tourism, held the "Welcome India" Road ShowinNewDelhi,Mumbai,andBangalore

June

• MATATOraisesconcernsoverlowtouristarrivalsforthemonthofMay

• CelebratingWorldEnvironmentDayandWorldOceansDay“GOGREEN,RECYCLEANDWIN”MATATO, incollaborationwithWAMCOstartedarecyclingcampaign

• MATATO,NHGAMandMMPRCannouncespartnershiptoholdMaldivesTourismRoadshowinIndia

• MATATOparticipatedandsupportedtheinauguralflightfromChongqingtotheMaldivesatVIA

• MaldivesWelcomedthe1MillionthtouristandourAssociatedparticipatedinthearrivalevent

May

• MATATOrejectsWorldBank'sclaimsofguesthousespullingdownMaldives'GDP

• MATATOaddressedthePressEventorganisedbyMMPRCattheArabianTravelMarketinDubaion6 May2024

• MMPRC in collaboration with MATATO announced to represent Destination Maldives in three prominenttravelfairsintheSoutheastAsia

• ChairofPATAMaldivesChapterpresentedatPATAChapterCongressinMacau,PAS2024

• MATATO endorsed the upcoming Air Service World Congress to be hosted by Velana International AirportintheMaldivesfrom9-11July2024

• MATATO announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Indian AssociationofTourOperators(IATO)

• MATATO and NHGAM (National Hotel and Guesthouse Association of Maldives) had a productive meetingtoexploreavenuestocollaboratetogether

• On 27 May between MATATO and WAMCO discussed how both organizations can work together, especiallytopromoteasustainableenvironment

MATATO ACTIVITIES 2024

continues..

April

• Ministry of Economic Development and Trade facilitateda meeting between MATATOandBCC and SDFCtodiscussbusinesssupportforitsmembersthroughthegovernment’sSMEecosystem.

MATATO ACTIVITIES 2024

• USAIDMaldivesClimateAdaptationProjectTeammetwithMATATOtodiscussareasofcollaboration

continues

• MATATO Meets with Indian High Commissioner to Foster Tourism Cooperation between both countries

• MATATOengagedinthepreliminarydiscussionsheldattheSouthRegionSymposium2024,initiated byMMPRC

March

• Controller General of Immigration met MATATO Aviation Committee and discussed on visitor facilitationanddatasharing

• MATATOmetwithMinisterofEconomicDevelopmentandTradetodiscusspotentialareasofsupport fromthegovernment.

• MATATOparticipatedinaconsultationsessionhostedbyACCMaldivesfocusingontheupcomingAntiCorruptionConference

• MATATOhostedafunfilledIftarforitsmembers,mediaandotherstakeholders

• MATATORamazanDailyQuiz

• GadhaChefun,ARamazanSpecialCulinaryShowwithBaiskoafu

• LeadingTheWay:WomenInAction,Women’sDayInitiativeByMATATOwithBaiskoafu

• MinisterFaisalmetwithPacificAsiaTravelAssociation(PATA)CEONoorAhmadHamidwithMATATO

• MATATOlaunchestheMediaKitforMaldivesFinder2024atITBBerlin

February

• MATATOmeetsMayorAdamAzim,Male'CityCouncil

• MATATOspokeatMaldivesBureauofStatisticslauncheventforTourismStatisticsSurvey2024

• Ministry of Tourism launched the Eco-tourism Framework and Roadmap with our association participation.

• MATATO'scalltoaction:Addressingdollarshortages

• MATATOmarkedGlobalTourismResilienceDaywithsharinginsightsfromindustryexperts

• MATATO Aviation Committee met with CEO / Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed from MaldivesAirportsCompanyLtd

• MATATOAviationCommitteeheldaproductivemeetingwithMr.IbrahimIyas,theManagingDirector ofIslandAviationServices/Maldivian

• MATATO participated in the Stakeholder Workshop organized by the Ministry of Tourism proposed Eco-TourismFramework

• MATATOparticipatedintheFifthMeetingoftheJointMeetingMechanismforChineseTouristSafety intheMaldives,organizedbytheEmbassyofthePeople’sRepublicofChina

January

• MATATO and MMPRC held a meeting to discuss potential collaborative opportunities aimed at bolstering partnershipinmarketingtheMaldives

• MATATO engages in a dialogue with Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal to address the challenges encounteredbylocaltravelagents

• Aminath Suzan appointed as MATATO’s CEO, championing women’s empowerment in Maldives tourism

• MMPRCamendedmembershippolicytoprioritizelocalTO's&TA'sandlocallyregisteredstakeholders aslobbiedbyMATATO

• MATATOlaunchesHotelCancellationandImpactSurvey

• MaldivesAssociationofTravelAgentsandTourOperators(MATATO)advocatesforpositiverelations withIndia

MATATO ACTIVITIES 2023

December

• MATATOhostsDestinationWorkshopforstakeholders

• MATATOAviationCommitteemeetsMinisterofTransportandCivilAviation

November

MATATO ACTIVITIES 2023

• MATATOestablishesAviationCommittee

• MATATOBoardmeetsAdvisortothePresidentonTourismDevelopment

• MATATOboardmeetswithIMFTeamintheMaldivesabouttaxreforms

October

• MATATOjoinedPATATravelMarket2023–NewDelhi,India

• MATATOHoldsLocalTravelAgentsDiscussionForum

• MATATOTakesPartinPanelDiscussionatGMForum2023

• MATATOEngageswithLocalTVStationstoAddressChallenges

September

• MATATOBoardsmeets2023Presidentialcandidates

• MATATOReleasesReportonTourismandFinance

July

• MATATOjoinsinwelcomingtheOneMillionthTouristtoMaldives

• LaunchesMaldivesTravelAwards2023nominations.

June

• AssociationbeginsSurveydatacollectiononMaldivesTourismandFinanceSector

• MATATOjoinedPATADestinationExperienceForum–Kuching,Malaysia

• MMPRCMDMrThoyyibMohamedwasaSpeakeratPATADestinationExperienceForum –Kuching, Malaysia

• MATATOVPMohamedShaazWaleedonRaajje_TV–‘5KaafuProgram’discussingupdatesonMaldives Tourism

• MATATOpromotedHimalayanTravelMart2023Nepal

May

• MATATOjoinedPATAAnnualSummit&AdventureMart2023–Pokhara,Nepal

• MaldivesMinisterofTourismDrAbdullaMausoomSpeakeratPATAAnnualSummit&AdventureMart 2023–Pokhara,Nepal

• MATATOparticipatedVisitMaldives Storytellers'Conference2023heldatCrossroadsMaldives

• MATATOpartnerswithKoreanTourismOrganisationforroadshowinMale’

April

• MATATOIfthar2023(SponsoredbyResortLife)

• OpenedRequestforProposal(RFP) -MaldivesTravelAwards2023andMaldives TravelConference 2023

• MATATOandVisitMaldivesparticipateinTravelAgentsForum2023inLasVegasinApril2023

March

• MATATOholdsBoardmeeting

February

• MATATOformssubcommitteesforAviationandForeignRelations

• MATATOappointsanewSecretaryGeneral–AbdullaSuood

January

• MATATOholdsfirstBoardmeetingforyear

• AssociationlobbiesagainsttheincreaseinTGSTincrease

Why matato

In the last 18 years of MATATOs existence, the association is known for following:

EXPERIENCE

Eighteen Years of continued support and service to the industry. (Established in 2006, MATATO continues to contribute as strong partner to the growth of the industry)

RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

MATATO is a household name in the travel industry of Maldives, recognized at National and International Level. Members of MATATO benefit from representation by an organization acknowledged by the stake holders. MATATO’s opinion and consultation is sought after from all areas including the business sector and in the highest level of the government.

ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING

Lobbying with Government, MATATO has always liaised closely with government institutes, have held meetings with cabinet ministers on multiple occasions addressing the concerns of our members and collectively, of the industry. MATATO continues to enjoy and benefit from this strong collaboration with the government.

EXHIBITIONS, FAIRS AND DESTINATION MARKETING

MATATO has organized destination stands and roadshows, in India, Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, China, Malaysia, Macau, Indonesia, UK, and many other countries.

AFFILIATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS INTERNATIONAL

Pacific Asia Travel Association PATA – MATATO has signed an MOU with PATA for joint collaborations and projects. MATATO is also the local chapter for PATA in Maldives.

TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS

MATATO has been organizing various trainings and workshops for our members and industry PUBLICATIONS

MATATO has been publishing an annual magazine, Maldives Finder for the last six years.

EVENTS AND REGOGNITION

MATATO has been organizing the Maldives Travel Awards annually for the last several years. The association also hosts the Maldives Travel Conference annually.

Why matato

In the last 18 years of MATATOs existence, the association is known for following: EXPERIENCE

Eighteen Years of continued support and service to the industry. (Established in 2006, MATATO continues to contribute as strong partner to the growth of the industry)

RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING

EXHIBITIONS, FAIRS AND DESTINATION MARKETING