By The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) is thrilled to announce the launch of the MATATO Student Chapter. This dedicated wing of MATATO is designed specifically for students and will be operated by student members under the guidance of MATATO professionals.
The MATATO Student Chapter aims to empower youth, foster leadership skills, enhance industry knowledge, and provide valuable experience to benefit students’ future careers. This initiative will serve as a launchpad for young minds eager to make their mark in the travel and tourism industry.
To join the MATATO Student Chapter, students must be enrolled in any registered educational institute and be over 16 years old. This broad eligibility criterion ensures that a wide range of students can take advantage of this opportunity to grow and learn.
While the initial launch is focused on Malé, MATATO has ambitious plans to expand this initiative to other regions and islands of the Maldives. The goal is to create a network of student chapters across the country, providing students from various areas with the opportunity to participate and benefit from this enriching experience.
In the long term, MATATO plans to connect these student chapters with the international Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Student Chapters. PATA has over 20 student chapters worldwide, in countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, UAE, Malaysia, Japan, India, Hong Kong, Canada, Vietnam, Switzerland, and Australia. These PATA Student Chapters operate on the principle of “for students, by students,” providing a powerful platform for youth globally to become changemakers and drive the responsible and sustainable development of the tourism industry.
This connection will not only offer Maldivian students a chance to collaborate and network with their international peers but also to contribute to and learn from a global movement towards sustainable tourism development.
The MATATO Student Chapter in Malé represents a significant opportunity for students to develop essential skills, gain industry knowledge, and prepare for successful careers in the travel and tourism sector. With the guidance of MATATO and the potential for international connections through PATA, student members will be well-equipped to become the future leaders of the industry.