The Maldives took part in the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual General Meeting and Summit held from April 21 to 23 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Maldivian delegation was represented by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment, Meenas Shaugy, and Director of Tourism Research and Statistics, Mariyam Sharmeela.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the summit focused on key themes such as promoting sustainable tourism development, ensuring equal opportunities, strengthening tourism demand through data-driven strategies, and enhancing tourist experiences. The Ministry emphasized that international engagement at platforms like PATA is vital for the continued growth and innovation of the Maldivian tourism industry.
The Ministry further stated that insights gained from the summit will contribute to policy-making and strategic initiatives aimed at advancing the Maldives’ position as a leading sustainable tourism destination. The event brought together tourism experts and policymakers from around the world to discuss future pathways for global tourism development.