President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin on renowned tourism pioneer Champa Hussain Afeef and prominent tourism entrepreneur Champa Mohamed Moosa, recognising their exceptional contributions to the development of the Maldives’ tourism industry, private-sector growth and national economy.
The honours were presented on Sunday during the official ceremony commemorating the 61st Independence Day of the Maldives. The recognition reflects the Government’s continued commitment to acknowledging individuals whose sustained service, leadership and entrepreneurial achievements have contributed to the country’s economic and social progress.
Afeef and Moosa were among four distinguished individuals presented with the national honour. Dr Mohamed Latheef received the award in recognition of his contribution to education, while Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa was honoured for his services to religious education and public awareness.
Champa Hussain Afeef was recognised for his central role in establishing and advancing the Maldives’ tourism industry. He was involved in the development of Kurumba Village, the country’s first tourist resort, which introduced the resort-based tourism model that would later become the foundation of the Maldives’ international tourism success.
The establishment of Kurumba Village demonstrated the potential of the Maldives’ natural environment, hospitality and island-based experiences to attract international travellers. From its beginnings as a pioneering tourism property, the resort helped shape an industry that has transformed the national economy, created employment opportunities and encouraged investment in transportation, construction, fisheries, agriculture, communications and other supporting sectors. The resort’s contribution also extended beyond accommodation, helping establish the Maldives as a distinctive global destination known for personalised hospitality, pristine beaches, clear lagoons and private island experiences.
Afeef later co-founded the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, an organisation representing tourism operators and industry stakeholders, and currently serves as its chairman. Through his leadership, he has contributed to industry coordination, policy discussions and the long-term development of a sector that remains the principal driver of the Maldivian economy.
He is also a co-owner and shareholder of Crown & Champa Resorts, which operates a diverse portfolio of resort properties across the Maldives. The group’s resorts have contributed to expanding the country’s accommodation capacity, attracting visitors from major international markets and supporting local employment, professional development and supply-chain opportunities. Its continued investment in island resorts has also strengthened the Maldives’ position as a premium destination offering high-quality hospitality services in environmentally distinctive settings.
Afeef’s previous national recognitions include the National Award of Encouragement, the National Award of Honour, the Most Distinguished State Service Award and the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Muleege, reflecting the extensive national appreciation for his decades of service to tourism and economic development.
Champa Mohamed Moosa was honoured for his wide-ranging contribution to tourism, business and national development. After completing his studies in India, he returned to the Maldives and began his entrepreneurial career through agricultural ventures before establishing Champa Wholesale. The company developed into an important supplier of food and other essential products to businesses, including establishments operating within the tourism sector.
His business interests later expanded into tourism, media, aviation and financial services, demonstrating the role of diversified private-sector investment in strengthening the Maldivian economy. His involvement in the development of Addu International Airport and Madivaru Domestic Airport contributed to improving connectivity between the country’s islands and tourism regions, supporting more efficient domestic travel and facilitating the geographical expansion of resort development.
Moosa also contributed to the growth of the financial sector through his involvement in establishing the Maldives Finance and Leasing Company and the Commercial Bank of Maldives. These initiatives supported broader access to financial and commercial services while contributing to the development of the institutional infrastructure required for a growing modern economy.
In the media sector, he established DhiFM and DhiTV, contributing to the expansion of private broadcasting and public access to news, information and entertainment. His support for education through the Alifulhu Thuttu Foundation further reflects his commitment to social development and the creation of opportunities for future generations.
Moosa previously received the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Muleege and the Tourism Gold Award. In 2024, the South Asian Travel Awards presented both Moosa and Afeef with the Face of South Asia Tourism Award in recognition of their contributions to the development of tourism across the region.
The national honours presented by President Muizzu highlight the Government’s recognition of the pioneers and entrepreneurs whose vision helped transform the Maldives into one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations. Their achievements demonstrate how long-term investment, private-sector leadership and national commitment have supported economic growth, international connectivity and the continued advancement of the Maldivian tourism industry.
advertisment
advertisment
