An partnership between Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and the Maldives National University (MNU) has paved the way for the creation of a dedicated hotel school and resort in L. Hulhimendhoo, marking a major step forward in building skilled human capital for the Maldivian tourism sector.
The formal agreement, signed during a recent high-level event in L. Maamendhoo during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to Laamu Atoll, sets the foundation for a specialized educational and training facility. The signing was carried out by MACL’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Shareef, and MNU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Enterprise, Dr. Raheema Abdul Raheem.
President Muizzu, who attended the event, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative in boosting the nation’s tourism and hospitality workforce. According to the President, this collaboration is designed to nurture local talent by providing academic programs and practical training opportunities in one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations.
MACL, the state-owned operator of Velana International Airport, already manages a resort in Meemu Atoll and has experience in the tourism and hospitality domain. The company will now spearhead the development of both the resort and the hotel school in Hulhimendhoo, combining commercial operations with a strong educational focus.
Once completed, the project is expected to enhance the Maldives’ reputation not only as a luxury travel destination but also as a center for high-quality hospitality education. The facility will be tailored to train future hoteliers, chefs, guest relations officers, and hospitality professionals, offering a practical pathway to employment in the industry. This is particularly vital in a country where tourism directly contributes over 21% to the GDP and provides employment for more than 44,000 people.
The location—Hulhimendhoo in Laamu Atoll—adds an additional layer of value to the project. With pristine surroundings, rich marine biodiversity, and untapped tourism potential, the island provides an ideal environment for students to immerse themselves in both study and real-world hospitality experiences. It also reinforces the government’s efforts to expand tourism infrastructure and services beyond the central atolls, creating opportunities across the country.
President Muizzu assured that MACL will give top priority to the completion of the project, ensuring that it meets both international standards and local aspirations. The initiative reflects the administration’s broader vision to empower Maldivians through vocational education and targeted skill development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are deeply rooted in local communities.
This collaborative step by MACL and MNU signals a brighter future for the nation’s hospitality sector, where education, community development, and tourism excellence intersect to produce the next generation of local leaders in the industry.
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