The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) will host the fourth edition of MATI Insight on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, bringing together tourism professionals, business leaders, marketers and communication specialists for a full-day programme dedicated to creative thinking and its practical application in contemporary business.
Scheduled to take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the event will feature two internationally recognised creative practitioners who will lead interactive workshops addressing organisational creativity, strategic communication, advertising and artificial intelligence-powered brand development.
The first session, titled “Creativity: A Life Skill, Not a Luxury – How to Get Anyone or Any Organisation to Think Differently,” will be presented by Kevin Chesters. Drawing on the principles explored in his book, The Creative Nudge, the session will examine creativity as an essential capability that can be developed and applied across professional and personal settings, rather than as a skill limited to traditionally creative industries.
Chesters will explore the societal, behavioural and scientific barriers that can discourage individuals and organisations from thinking differently. Participants will also be introduced to practical techniques designed to overcome established patterns, encourage original thinking and strengthen the ability of teams to generate fresh ideas and respond effectively to emerging business challenges.
The second session, titled “Paradise Breeds Complacency: How the Maldives Wins the Battle for Attention — a Live Look at AI-Powered Brand Building with Ad Legends,” will be led by Vince Cook. The hands-on workshop will focus on how Maldivian tourism brands can strengthen their visibility and competitiveness in an increasingly crowded global marketplace, where destinations and hospitality businesses compete continuously for the attention of travellers.
The workshop will introduce participants to AdLegends.ai, described by the organisers as the first fully functional AI-powered advertising agency. The platform combines artificial intelligence with creative approaches and advertising principles associated with leading directors and professionals behind globally recognised campaigns.
Participants will receive an orientation to the platform and observe a live demonstration of how artificial intelligence can support the development of advertising concepts and brand communications. The demonstration will highlight creative frameworks connected to internationally celebrated campaigns, including Mastercard’s “Priceless,” while showing how technology can help businesses develop ideas more efficiently without losing the strategic and human elements of effective storytelling.
The programme is expected to provide tourism industry professionals with practical knowledge that can be applied to destination marketing, resort and hotel promotion, corporate communications, customer engagement and brand positioning. It will also encourage participants to consider how creativity and emerging technologies can be responsibly integrated into business processes to produce relevant, distinctive and internationally competitive communications.
Barceló Nasandhura Malé provides a contemporary setting for the event in the heart of the Maldivian capital. The five-star waterfront hotel overlooks the surrounding ocean and is situated opposite the Henveiru Ferry Terminal, approximately 10 minutes from Velana International Airport by road or ferry. Its central location offers convenient access for participants travelling from Malé, Hulhumalé, the airport and nearby islands.
The hotel combines modern accommodation, spacious interiors and sea views with facilities designed for corporate meetings, conferences and professional gatherings. Its dedicated meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions area covers approximately 1,034 square metres and includes adaptable meeting spaces, private refreshment areas, a buffet area and two ballrooms that can be configured separately or combined according to event requirements. These facilities position the property as an important venue for business, tourism and hospitality events in Malé.
The registration fee is USD 150, equivalent to MVR 2,313, per participant for MATI members. The fee for non-members is USD 300, equivalent to MVR 4,626, per participant. The prescribed dress code for the event is smart casual.
Registration will close at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, 9 August 2026. Tourism professionals, business executives, marketing specialists and others interested in strengthening their creative and strategic communication capabilities are encouraged to complete their registration before the deadline.
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