Minister of Arts, Culture, and Heritage, Heena Waleed, has stressed the importance of preserving historical memories and heritage in a manner that allows them to be passed on to future generations.
The minister made the remarks while speaking to PSM News after visiting the “Maldivian Resort Architecture” exhibition by former Construction Minister, Mohamed Mauroof Jameel.
Commenting on the exhibition, Minister Heena described it as a significant historical project that documents the evolution of design and architecture within the Maldivian tourism industry. She noted that the exhibition provides a detailed look at the layout and architectural designs of resort rooms and buildings from the early years of tourism development in the Maldives.
According to the minister, the collection offers valuable insight into the growth and transformation of the tourism sector over several decades through a series of professional drawings and illustrations. Heena said many young people today are unfamiliar with the early stages of tourism development and the changes that shaped the industry into one of the country's most important economic sectors. She described the exhibition as an important historical resource that helps preserve and communicate that knowledge.
“I would like to thank Mauroof and acknowledge this as a very important national service. Preparing such a comprehensive exhibition and undertaking a project of this nature is highly valuable,” the minister said.
The minister also highlighted the publication of a book accompanying the exhibition, which documents the photographs and information featured in the collection. “In reality, this captures the history of our tourism sector, and I regard it as something of immense importance,” she added.
The minister said the drawings and materials displayed at the exhibition serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical records and cultural heritage. She emphasised that alongside national development and technological advancement, efforts must be organised systematically to ensure that important memories, achievements and historical milestones are passed on to future generations.
The “Maldivian Resort Architecture” exhibition highlights the history of tourism development in the Maldives and the evolution of resort construction and design. The exhibition features more than 80 professional drawings that are on display for the public, according to Mauroof Jameel.
During the visit, Mauroof presented a copy of the book published alongside the exhibition to Minister Heena, who also signed the exhibition’s guestbook.