In a proud achievement for the Maldivian tourism sector, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has been elected to the United Nations (UN) Tourism Board of Affiliate Members for the 2026–2029 term. This recognition marks the first time a Maldivian tourism organization has secured a seat on the prestigious international board, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in global tourism governance.
MATI, a key non-governmental organization representing the interests of the tourism industry in the Maldives since its formation in 1982, was granted Affiliate Membership of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) during the 23rd General Assembly held on 11 September 2019. Since then, the association has actively engaged with the global tourism community, promoting sustainable practices and advocating for the unique tourism model of the Maldives. The recent election to the board demonstrates the confidence of the international community in MATI’s ability to contribute meaningfully to tourism policy and strategy at a global level.
The board comprises 20 seats, which include 12 regional positions distributed among six world regions and 8 seats representing global members. MATI has secured one of the two seats allocated to the South Asia region and will be represented by its Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Assad Ali. His appointment signifies a critical step in bringing the experiences and insights of the Maldivian tourism industry to a broader global platform.
According to MATI, its inclusion on the board creates valuable opportunities to share the Maldives’ successful tourism strategies, particularly its one-island-one-resort concept, robust environmental stewardship, and community engagement, with other member states and organizations. It also allows the country to contribute to policy discussions, align with international tourism development goals, and further elevate its presence in multilateral tourism platforms.
The Board of Affiliate Members functions as an advisory body to the UN Tourism Secretary-General, providing guidance on administrative and technical matters, shaping the Programme of Work, and helping define strategic priorities for the Affiliate Membership. Additionally, it makes important decisions between plenary sessions and proposes recommendations to increase the effectiveness and global impact of affiliate members.
This development is widely viewed as a reflection of the Maldives’ status as a leading global tourism destination, consistently ranked among the world’s top luxury travel spots. Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, contributing over 25% to the country’s GDP and employing a significant portion of its workforce. As of 2024, the Maldives continues to attract over 1.5 million visitors annually, with its pristine beaches, marine biodiversity, and high-end resort experiences.
MATI’s election to the board underscores a deepening of international cooperation and recognition for the Maldives’ contributions to sustainable tourism. It also positions the country to influence tourism policy-making at the highest levels, benefitting not only the Maldives but also the wider South Asian region. This milestone is expected to further strengthen the Maldives’ image as a responsible and innovative leader in the global tourism sector.
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