As we celebrate 18 years, I am filled with a deep sense of pride and reflection on the journey we have undertaken so far, and this year in particular.

This year has been a particularly significant one for MATATO. In early 2024, we welcomed our first CEO, Aminath Suzan, whose contributions have made a substantial impact on both our membership and our activities. Her leadership has brought renewed energy and direction to our association.

One of our most notable achievements this year was thesuccessful India Road Show, where we showcased the Maldivian tourism industry in three major cities. This was followed by a prominent event at the PATA Mart in Bangkok, which expanded our reach to a broader audience and deepened our connections within the Asia-Pacific region. These initiatives have opened new opportunities for our members, particularly SMEs, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting their continued success.

A further milestone this year was the formation of the MATATO Aviation Committee. This initiative marks a critical step in addressingkey challenges related to air connectivity and the future of air travel to and from the Maldives. The committee will serve as an essential platform for dialogue and collaboration between aviation stakeholders and the tourism sector.

Women’s empowerment has been at the forefront of our effortsin 2024. The inaugural Women Maldives Travel Conference provided a valuable forum for women leaders in tourism to exchange ideas, share their experiences, and inspire the next generation. Additionally, our Ramadan "Gada Chefun" Cooking Show was a celebration of local culinary talent, bringing together the community during the holy month and highlighting the rich cultural fabric of our nation.

Our advocacy efforts, along with the implementation ofvarious training programs, have also been pivotal in advancing policies thatbenefit both our members and the wider industry. We have facilitated numerous workshops that provide critical opportunities for professional development and networking.

We have been working on our products and I am pleased to note that Maldives Finder 2025 was also launched in November 2024 at WTM London, where MATATO once again partnered with the WTM organisers. We are also releasing monthly episodes of our new talk show, MATATO Talks, bringing you industry experts and addressing trending topics in the industry.

Lastly, I am delighted to announce the establishment of the MATATO Student Chapter. This initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of tourism professionals by offering mentorship, resources, and early engagement with the industry.

As we look toward the future, MATATO remains dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, empowering our members, and supporting SMEs. Together, we will continue to shape the future of tourism in the Maldives and contribute to global harmony through our shared values and collaborations.

Thank you.

(Updated November 2024)