MATATO News - Oct 2023

Issue 01 | October 2023

MATATO A Monthly Publication by Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO)

N E W S Maldives Chooses New President in 2023 Elections Read more on Page 7 ____________________________

Maldives travel awards voting continues Read more on Page 9 ____________________________

MATATO Releases Report on Tourism and Finance Read more on Page 7

MATATO News

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CONTENTS MATATO DASHBOARD

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Upcoming properties

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Upcoming MMPRC Fairs

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ECONOMIC UPDATE

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MATATO Releases Report on Tourism and Finance

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Maldives Chooses New President in 2023 Elections

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Travel agents’ feedback on Fifth Tourism Master Plan

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Maldives travel awards voting continues

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MATATO ACTIVITIES 2023

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MMPRC Promotes the Sunny Side of Life at IFTM Top Resa 2023 11 The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Celebrates Autumn Festival with an Array of Festive Programmes

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MATATO NEWS Monthly News by MATATO CONTRIBUTIONS MATATO MANAGEMENT TEAM Fathimath Shaha Abdulla Ghiyas Ibrahim Didi Mohamed Shaz Waleed Ibrahim Nizam Mohamed Khaleel Ignaz Mansoor Abdulla Suood Hathim Hassan Mohamed Bassam Adam ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL For advertising & editorial queries please email to admin@matato.org CONTACT Email : admin@matato.org Phone :+960 3000 929 Mob# :+960 739 0050 © MATATO NEWS All rights reserved.

MATATO News

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MATATO dashboard 2022 International Tourism Arrivals (million) - 969 2022 Maldives Tourism Arrivals

- 1,675,303 International arrivals regional shares (%) 2022

Maldives Tourist Arrivals Monthly 2023 vs 22 vs 21

Maldives Top 10 Markets 2023

Government Revenues Tourism Related (MVR) Departure Tax Green Tax Tourism GST Airport Development Fee Tourism Land Rent Total Revenue (related & non-related)

Sep-23 67,734,100 53,261,206 324,919,016 71,186,003 232,294,955

Jan - Sept 2023 740,262,005 740,139,374 6,414,024,459 762,729,258 1,197,786,220

1,183,437,842

18,830,632,188

Dollar income per tourist 536 USD (Estimate based on Year To Date 2023 USD Revenue)

September 2023 1.18 billion (Total MVR Revenue) 49.62 Million (USD Revenue) 15.8% (Decrease in September 2023 vs 2022) Only 44% of Maldives beds filled so far with the given capacity for 2023

Bed capacity utilization (YTD 2023)

44%

Sources: UNWTO Ministry of Tourism - Maldives Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA)

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Upcoming properties Property

Region

Opening

Ozen Privé Athiri Gili

Malé Atoll

2024

Meyyafushi

Lhaviyani Atoll

2024

Avalon Maldives

Dhaalu Atoll

2024

Villa Haven

South Ari Atoll

2024

Nammos Maldives

Malé Atoll

2025

Joali Lagoon

Malé Atoll

2025

JW Marriott Emboodhoo Finolhu

Malé Atoll

2025

Feydhoo Finolhu

Malé Atoll

2024

Capella Maldives

Malé Atoll

2025

Centara Lagoon

Malé Atoll

2025

Centara Grand Muthaafushi

Baa Atoll

2024

Al Mahra

Laamu Atoll

2025

Corinthia Maldives

Malé Atoll

2025

Project Delfin

Malé Atoll

2025

Soneva Secret

Haa Dhaalu Atoll

2023

SO/Maldives

Malé Atoll

2023

Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef

Malé Atoll

2025

Jawakara Island Maldives

Lhaviyani Atoll

2023

Rosewood Ranfaru Maldives

Malé Atoll

2025

Bulgari Resort Ranfushi

Raa Atoll

2025

Maniya Faru Resort

Malé Atoll

2024

Source: Hotelier Maldives

MATATO News

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Upcoming MMPRC Fairs

Source: MMPRC/ Visit Maldives

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ECONOMIC UPDATE

Source: Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)

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MATATO Releases Report on Tourism and Finance The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) released a report last month highlighting concerns over the current fragile state of the Maldivian economy primarily caused by the dollar crisis, excessive government expenditure and the negative impacts it has had on the local tourism sector.

This report is based on extensive qualitative surveys and interviews with industry stakeholders and sheds light on these critical issues that require immediate Government attention in order to safeguard the economy.

Despite a gradual recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism arrivals in 2022 were, 1.6% lower than the pre-pandemic period. The Maldives banking sector is grappling with significant issues, including a dollar crisis, lack of competition, and a weak regulatory framework. Furthermore, the presence of a dollar black market with limited intervention from the Central Bank (MMA) is causing instability, and the report clearly indicates the Central Bank has failed in this area. It was also noted that local banks have the highest banking fees in the region whilst having instituted significant limitations on credit and debit card use for foreign purchases.

The Maldives is experiencing a severe debt crisis with the sovereign debt estimated at $6.8 billion, which is equivalent to 113% of the country's GDP. The government's excessive spending, increased recurrent expenditure, and reliance on tourism income have contributed to this crisis. Additionally, the government's practice of printing money has led to inflation and significant depreciation of the Maldivian Rufiyaa.

Copy of the report - https://www.scribd.com/document/672576774/MATATO-Report-2022-23-Tourism-andFinance

Maldives Chooses New President in 2023 Elections

The Maldives has ushered in a new era with the election of Mohamed Muizzu, the current Mayor of Male, as the country's next president.

Muizzu emerged victorious in a closely contested race against incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, securing 54.06% of the vote. The election witnessed a remarkable voter turnout, with over 85% of eligible Maldivians exercising their democratic right.

Muizzu's victory signals a shift in the Maldivian political landscape, reflecting the desire for change among the populace. He has pledged to address pressing issues such as rising living costs, corruption, and environmental protection. His focus on economic development and international cooperation is expected to shape the country's future trajectory. His Manifesto also highlights pledges for local travel agents.

Muizzu's leadership brings a fresh perspective to Maldivian governance, promising a renewed focus on addressing the concerns of the people. His election marks a new chapter in the country's democratic journey, and the Maldivian people look forward to a future of progress and prosperity under his leadership.

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Travel agents’ feedback on Fifth Tourism Master Plan

The Maldives Fifth Tourism Master Plan is meant to a comprehensive guide that outlines the goals and strategies for the tourism industry in the Maldives. The plan was created by the Government of Maldives, represented by the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank.

The plan is divided into three sections that cover various aspects of tourism development in the Maldives.

Throughout the plan, there is emphasis on sustainability and responsible tourism practices. The plan recognizes that tourists are increasingly concerned about environmental issues and social responsibility when making travel decisions. As such, it emphasizes the need for agile leadership and adaptive governance to position sustainability as a strategic focus for all tourist establishments.

The plan focuses on sustainable tourism development in the Maldives and outlines goals and strategies related to environmental sustainability, human capital development, product diversification, and infrastructure development. While travel agents may play a role in promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting the growth of the industry in the Maldives, they are not specifically addressed in this plan. Here are some specific observations: 1.

Lack of detail: While the plan provides a broad overview of goals and strategies, it may not provide enough detail on specific initiatives or projects that will be implemented to achieve these goals.

2. Limited stakeholder feedback taken into account: The plan was created by the Government of Maldives in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, but it may not have involved sufficient input from local travel agents and the feedback we have provided. In the realm of sustainable tourism, the primary players in this arena are the resorts and guesthouses. Therefore, the significance of meticulous coordination, strategic planning, and effective execution cannot be overstated. It is worth noting that certain private sector initiatives have demonstrated greater efficiency compared to government endeavours. Thus, fostering synergy, sharing of resources, and the precise execution of strategies assume paramount importance.

3. Implementation challenges: While the plan outlines ambitious goals and strategies for sustainable tourism development in the Maldives, there may be challenges in implementing these initiatives due to limited resources or political will.

4. External factors: The plan does not account for external factors such as global economic conditions or geopolitical events that could impact tourism development in the Maldives.

Overall, while the Maldives Fifth Tourism Master Plan provides a useful framework for sustainable tourism development in the country, it is important to recognize that there may be limitations and challenges associated with its implementation.

The Association believes the Maldives Fifth Tourism Master Plan 2023-2027 does not appear to have a specific section dedicated to local travel agents or address the concerns of the majority of the industry’s stakeholders.

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Maldives travel awards voting continues

The Maldives Travel Awards is an annual event that celebrates excellence in the travel and tourism industry, recognizing outstanding contributions made by resorts, hotels, airlines, travel agencies, and other key players within the sector. Each year, these awards serve as a benchmark of excellence and highlight the remarkable achievements that have significantly elevated the Maldives as a world-class travel destination.

Participants can cast their votes for the Maldives Travel Awards 2023 through the official website, www.maldivestravelawards.com. The online voting process has been made user-friendly and accessible to ensure a fair and transparent selection of the winners.

To vote: • • • • •

Visit the official Maldives Travel Awards website: www.maldivestravelawards.com Explore the diverse array of nominees and categories, each representing excellence in their respective fields.

Cast your votes for your favourite nominees in each category.

Register your email address; a confirmation email will be sent to verify your vote.

Once confirmed, your vote will be registered as valid.

Maldives Travel Awards 2023 encourages all participants to thoroughly evaluate the exceptional services, facilities, and experiences offered by the nominees and to make well-informed decisions when voting. This ensures that only the most deserving candidates receive the accolades they have worked tirelessly to achieve.

Winners of the Maldives Travel Awards will be announced during a glamorous and star-studded awards ceremony, where industry leaders, tourism experts, and distinguished guests will gather to celebrate the triumphs of the Maldivian travel and hospitality sector.

For further updates and more information about the Maldives Travel Awards 2023, including the awards ceremony details, please visit the official website at www.maldivestravelawards.com

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MATATO ACTIVITIES 2023 October •

MATATO joined PATA Travel Market 2023 – New Delhi, India

September • •

MATATO Boards meets 2023 Presidential candidates MATATO Releases Report on Tourism and Finance

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MATATO joins in welcoming the One Millionth Tourist to Maldives Launches Maldives Travel Awards 2023 nominations.

July

June • • • • •

Association begins Survey data collection on Maldives Tourism and Finance Sector MATATO joined PATA Destination Experience Forum – Kuching, Malaysia MMPRC MD Mr Thoyyib Mohamed was a Speaker at PATA Destination Experience Forum – Kuching, Malaysia MATATO VP Mohamed Shaaz Waleed on Raajje_TV – ‘5 Kaafu Program’ discussing updates on Maldives Tourism MATATO promoted Himalayan Travel Mart 2023 Nepal

May • • • •

MATATO joined PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart 2023 – Pokhara, Nepal Maldives Minister of Tourism Dr Abdulla Mausoom Speaker at PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart 2023 – Pokhara, Nepal MATATO participated Visit Maldives Storytellers' Conference 2023 held at Crossroads Maldives MATATO partners with Korean Tourism Organisation for roadshow in Male’

April • • •

MATATO Ifthar 2023 (Sponsored by Resort Life) Opened Request for Proposal (RFP) - Maldives Travel Awards 2023 and Maldives Travel Conference 2023 MATATO and Visit Maldives participate in Travel Agents Forum 2023 in Las Vegas in April 2023

March •

MATATO holds Board meeting

February • •

MATATO forms sub committees for Aviation and Foreign Relations MATATO appoints a new Secretary General – Abdulla Suood

January • •

MATATO News

MATATO holds first Board meeting for year Association lobbies against the increase in TGST increase

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MMPRC Promotes the Sunny Side of Life at IFTM Top Resa 2023 Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has promoted the breathtaking Sunny Side of Life in Paris, France, at IFTM Top Resa 2023. IFTM Top Resa 2023, one of the top tourism events with over 30,000 visitors, is a multi-purpose trade show covering all travel segments such as business, leisure, & MICE. The B2B event was held from 3rd to 5th October 2023 at Porte de Versailles, Paris.

MMPRC’s participation in this event along with 28 co-exhibitors from the industry aligns with its strategies for the French market, including promoting our unique experiences and segments in order to achieve and exceed prepandemic arrival numbers. Throughout this event, MMPRC strengthened the Maldives' brand in the French market to sustain Maldives' position as a top-of-the-mind destination. It also provided a platform for industry partners to showcase their products and services to the French market with excellent networking and potential collaboration opportunities.

The stand activities undertaken at the trade show ranged from digital interactive kiosks that allow easy exploration of Maldives’ tourism products and experiences, along with social media amplification and surveys. Attendees experienced Maldivian tradition and culture by trying out ‘libaas’ and ‘feyli’ props or having a taste of Maldives local delicacies. Press packs were also distributed at the stand that provide information on the destination as well as MMPRC's co-exhibiting partners.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Celebrates Autumn Festival with an Array of Festive Programmes The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, invites guests to immerse themselves in a week-long celebration during the resort's Autumn Festival. From October 25 to November 1, this year’s celebration draws inspiration from the vibrant traditions of Dia de Los Muertos, a vibrant Mexican holiday traditionally known for embracing family and teaching that life is not a line but a circle - a sentiment seen reflected within the resort's scenography; embrace the circle of island life. The festival will present a mosaic of authentic holiday offerings on property through an array of curated, engaging activities suitable for all ages. Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of Autumn by embarking on an island adventure, infusing the spirit of Mexico into an idyllic Maldivian setting.

Festivities begin on October 25th, with events such as the Marigold Magic Creation workshop, which evokes creativity through the crafting of beautiful Paper Marigold Flowers - a nod to the marigold's significance in the annual Dia de Los Muertos festival. Celebrations continue with a Maldivian dinner under the stars where guests can immerse themselves in the rich flavors of the Indian Ocean, indulge in traditional delicacies, and engage with the cultural heritage of the Maldives.

The events take a delightful turn on October 27 with a Dia de Los Muertos Cookie Decoration Workshop hosted at the resort's Italian eatery, La Locanda. Families are invited to unleash their creativity as they decorate delectable sugar cookies with colorful icing and vibrant designs. On the same evening, the resort's diverse offerings also include an elegant Lobster Dinner Under the Stars, offering travelers a romantic ambiance beneath the stunning Maldivian sky. The excitement continues in the following days, when on October 28th guests can look forward to a Pan de Muerto Decoration activity, where they can embrace the festive spirit by decorating the traditional Mexican sweet bread in honor of Dia de Los Muertos. This is followed by a lively Piñata Pool Party, where they can take playful swings at vibrant piñatas filled with delightful surprises.

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Why matato In the last 17 years of MATATO existence, the association has had the chance to work with the following organizations: EXPERIENCE Seventeen 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.

© MATATO NEWS All rights reserved.

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