By The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has successfully hosted the first-ever Women’s Edition of the Maldives Travel Conference. This landmark event took place at Hotel Jen, marking a significant step towards addressing gender disparities within the Maldivian tourism industry.
In her opening remarks, MATATO CEO Aminath Susan highlighted the pressing need to address the challenges faced by women in the tourism sector. She noted that currently, only 5% of the workforce in the industry comprises women, a figure she believes can be significantly increased through collective efforts.
The conference featured a series of panel discussions led by experienced women professionals from the tourism sector. Topics focused on the unique challenges women encounter in the industry and strategies for overcoming them. The event, which drew a diverse audience of both men and women, concluded after a day of insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
Notably, the conference was graced by the presence of First Lady Madam Sajida, underscoring the importance of gender equality in the workplace. MATATO has announced plans to extend this initiative to the provinces, aiming to foster a more inclusive environment across the entire tourism industry.
Despite over 50 years of success in Maldivian tourism, women in the industry continue to face significant challenges. The Women’s Edition of the Maldives Travel Conference represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to empower and uplift women in this vital sector.