By The Third Annual Maldives Tourism Awards Function was held yesterday at Baros, North Malé Atoll, to celebrate and recognize establishments and individuals for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s tourism sector. The awards, which emphasize excellence in staff well-being, human resource development, community engagement, innovation, and environmental sustainability, recognized 10 winners across various categories.
The ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, included a tribute to two former giants of the industry, the late Hassan Sobir (O.D.R.I.) and industry pioneer Mohamed Umar Maniku (O.G.R.D.M.D.), honoring their invaluable legacies.
In his address, Minister of Tourism and Environment Thorfiq Ibrahim underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining the Maldives’ position as a premier travel destination, reiterating its focus on sustainable growth and industry development. He highlighted the goal of enhancing connectivity to provide a stable platform for the tourism industry’s continued growth and innovation. The Minister also announced new awards for the upcoming year, designed to recognize and celebrate women’s empowerment, support for local arts and crafts, and individual achievements in professional categories.
The 2024 awards saw a total of 84 applications received from 43 facilities. The 10 winners were selected across 19 categories by three independent judging panels. Notable winners include Jaal Maldives for the “Outstanding Contribution to Staff Wellbeing Award” and “Outstanding Contribution to HR Development Award,” and Kuramathi Maldives for the “Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement Award.” Vagaa Maldives Pvt. Ltd. secured the “Ministry of Tourism & Environment Excellence Award” for travel agencies.
The Maldives Tourism Awards, established in 2022, has successfully completed two award cycles, with the current awards covering the period from June 2023 to May 2024. The event serves as a crucial platform for inspiring the tourism industry to pursue higher standards of excellence and sustainable practices.