The Maldives Travel Conference 2025, Women’s Edition, took center stage on January 25, 2025, at Equator Village in S. Gan, Addu City. Organized by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), the event brought together influential voices to address pressing issues and opportunities for women in the tourism sector.
The conference, endorsed by key stakeholders including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Social and Family Development, and MMPRC/Visit Maldives, also garnered support from Addu City Council and women-focused organizations such as Women in Management Maldives, Women on Board, and the Women Entrepreneurs Association Maldives.
With an all-female panel, discussions focused on two critical topics: expanding tourism employment opportunities for women beyond resort roles and tackling societal stigma against women in the workforce.
In collaboration with the Business Center Corporation (BCC), the event also featured a Financial Literacy Training session aimed at equipping women with essential knowledge to navigate economic opportunities in tourism.
This conference is part of MATATO’s Women’s Edition initiative, launched in August 2024, which aims to empower women in the tourism industry through targeted discussions and training. The Addu edition builds on the momentum of the inaugural event, with plans for future conferences in Thoddoo in May 2025 and Malé in August 2025, the latter in partnership with Hotel Jen Malé.
A detailed report documenting insights and recommendations from the Addu conference will be released, continuing the initiative’s commitment to fostering gender equity in tourism.
Equator Village served as the Venue Partner for the event, symbolizing Addu’s growing prominence in Maldives tourism. The conference highlighted the importance of empowering women across the nation to drive the industry forward while addressing challenges specific to local communities.
MATATO’s Women’s Edition conferences serve as a platform for conversation, collaboration, and actionable solutions, ensuring women play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Maldives tourism.
