Monday, August 26, 2024 The inaugural Future Summit by Destination Future concluded on August 20, 2024, at the historic Kurumba Maldives, the site where Maldivian tourism first took root. This landmark event brought together a prominent assembly of tourism trailblazers, industry leaders, and essential stakeholders. Distinguished guests included Mr.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC, and Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairman of MMPRC, celebrating a pivotal moment in the evolution of Maldives’ tourism sector. The summit was inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, who expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you to the incredible team and organizers of Destination Future.
My sincere gratitude goes to all panelists, participants, and attendees for your insightful contributions. Together we can work towards a more sustainable and innovative tourism industry.” Dr.
Simad Saeed , Managing Director of CDE Consulting, delivered an impactful keynote speech titled “Brand Maldives, Today and Tomorrow – A Sustainability Perspective.” His address focused on crucial aspects of sustainability, including environmental protection, economic viability, and human capital development. Dr.
Saeed emphasized that integrating these sustainable practices is crucial for maintaining the Maldives’ prestigious brand positioning and ensuring long-term success in the competitive global tourism market. Furthermore, Dr. Saeed emphasized the importance of incorporating educational programs on tourism within school curriculums to enhance students’ understanding of the industry’s significance and its effects.
Introducing tourism education from an early age, he argued, would help the Maldives raise a generation of knowledgeable and proactive citizens dedicated to the promotion and implementation of sustainable tourism initiatives. His presentation outlined a detailed strategy for maintaining the Maldives’ leadership in sustainable practices while fostering the next wave of industry leaders. Amjad Thaufeeg, Vice Chair at Destination Future, delivered a compelling talk on “Balancing Tourism Expansion and Environmental Sustainability in the Maldives.
” Throughout his session, Amjad delved into the complexities and potential that accompany maintaining this equilibrium. He highlighted the critical importance of careful strategic development and the adoption of creative approaches to foster tourism growth while upholding the Maldives’ ecological and social commitments. His expert analysis provided valuable guidance for stakeholders, helping them navigate the dual objectives of enhancing the tourism industry and safeguarding the nation’s distinct environmental and cultural heritage.
He later moderated a panel discussion on the same topic, joined by industry leaders, including Ms. Marteyne Van Well (Regional General Manager – Six Senses Maldives), Mr. Ahmed Jihad (Corporate General Manager of Cocoon), Dr.
Simad Saeed (Managing Director of CDE), Ms. Ruth Franklin (Founder of Secret Paradise), and Ms. Fathimath Shaazleen (Resort Manager of Naladhu Private Island).
The conversation focused on the delicate equilibrium between expanding tourism and maintaining sustainability. It included varied viewpoints and approaches from experienced professionals. Their shared wisdom highlighted the critical need for incorporating sustainable methods into tourism plans.
This integration is essential for the Maldives to continue flourishing as a top travel spot while preserving its environmental and cultural legacies. The summit also featured a panel discussion on reimagining destination marketing, moderated by Rifaa Saeed, Director of Sales & Marketing at Dusit Maldives. Esteemed panelists included Mr.
Suresh Dissanayake (Assistant Vice President of Heritance Aarah and Adaaran Maldives), Mr. Ali Nihad (Area Director of Sales and Marketing at IHG Maldives), Mr. Aydin Yasayacak (CEO of Loti), and Mr.
Nuaas Mohanmed (Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, COMO Hotels & Resorts). In a dynamic panel session, experts gathered to refine the branding and market positioning of the Maldives amidst stiff global competition. They stressed the necessity of a unified brand message and the development of precise marketing initiatives tailored to the destination.
Digital marketing’s pivotal role in capturing a wider audience, forging emotional bonds with travelers, and integrating sustainability into promotional tactics were key focal points. Leaders from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), including the Managing Director and Chairman, shared insights into new marketing campaigns currently in the pipeline. The discussion titled “Diversifying beyond Sun, Sand & Sea: Expanding Maldives’ Appeal” was spearheaded by Mr.
Inad Ibrahim, Director of Sales and Marketing at Oaga Art Resort. Esteemed panelists such as Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree (CEO & MD of MMPRC), Mr.
Abdulla Nabeel (noted tourism expert), Dr. Sunny Umar (Founder of Halal Travel Maldives), and Mr. Mark Eletr (General Manager of Holiday Inn Kandooma), delved into strategies aimed at captivating diverse traveler demographics.
The discourse centered on transcending traditional markets by tapping into new travel trends and adapting to the changing preferences of global tourists. Panelists debated ways to customize marketing strategies to appeal to various demographics, promoting inclusivity and leveraging the unique aspects of the Maldives to attract a broader array of travelers. An enlightening presentation was also delivered by the Maldives Airports Company Limited, spotlighting future developments in the nation’s aviation sector, particularly the construction of a new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport, projected to enhance the traveler experience significantly and scheduled to open in 2025.
In the summit’s concluding remarks, Mr. Hamza Saeed, President of Destination Future, emphasized the shift from experimental approaches to established, effective strategies. He highlighted the essential need for consistency and adherence to tested practices to guarantee the industry’s future prosperity and stability.
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