Continuing its efforts to strengthen community-based tourism and promote the growth of local hospitality businesses, Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) has announced the return of its Guesthouse Symposium, set to take place on October 2, 2025, at the world-renowned Crossroads Maldives. Building on the overwhelming success of last year’s event, the upcoming symposium is expected to be even more dynamic, informative, and inclusive.
The Guesthouse Symposium serves as a vital platform where guesthouse owners, tourism entrepreneurs, and key service providers across the Maldives gather to exchange ideas, address operational challenges, and explore avenues for collaboration and growth. The 2024 edition of the symposium, which was also hosted by MIB, attracted over 150 attendees and was widely appreciated by participants for its relevance and practicality.
Speaking at a media briefing held this week, MIB’s Chief Operating Officer Ahmed Riza emphasized that the bank has taken constructive feedback from last year’s participants to refine and enhance this year’s program. He reiterated MIB’s commitment to fostering a more vibrant guesthouse tourism ecosystem, particularly by empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in the broader tourism value chain.
“This year, too, we intend to accommodate 150 participants at the Guesthouse Symposium. We have carefully designed the event to provide greater value and more interactive sessions. Our hope is to exceed last year’s response and create meaningful impact,” said Riza.
In addition to interactive discussions and expert-led panels, the event will include an exhibition space for SMEs and tourism-related service providers. This will allow businesses such as transportation providers, tour operators, suppliers, and digital solution companies to showcase their services and connect with guesthouse operators directly. It’s a unique opportunity to strengthen networks within the Maldives’ rapidly evolving tourism sector.
The symposium is scheduled to be held at Crossroads Maldives, a multi-island integrated leisure destination, which further highlights the event’s focus on modern tourism trends and innovation. MIB confirmed that applications to participate in the symposium will be accepted online, with details to be announced in the coming weeks through official channels.
This initiative reflects MIB’s broader vision of promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local entrepreneurs who contribute to making the Maldives a diverse and accessible destination for travelers from around the world.
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