Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) Mohamed Umar Manik has said the regional hubs being developed in the north and south of the country will double the economy.
Speaking at the Tourism Golden Year Gala Evening held at Kurumba Maldives to mark the 50th anniversary of the Maldivian tourism industry, MATI Chairman Umar Manik said the Maldives is now seen as an example by other countries in the tourism industry. He said it is a great achievement for a small country like the Maldives.
In his speech, Umar Manik said the completion of the Velana International Airport (VIA) development project will significantly increase tourist arrivals. He said with the further development of the airports in the north and south of the country will contribute to the growth of the economy and the tourism sector. Additionally, he said proper training programmes should be carried out to train individuals. He said it cannot be done by the government alone and the owners of the resorts should also give priority to it.
In conclusion, Umar Manik said tourism is an important sector for the economy of the Maldives and efforts should be made to create interest in this sector among students. Therefore, students should be given complete information about the tourism sector in school.