A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Maldives National University (MNU) to develop a 5-star resort and a hotel school, as pledged by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, in Hulhimendhoo Island, near Maamendhoo, Laamu Atoll. The agreement was signed by Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, during a ceremony held at MNU. On behalf of MNU, the agreement was signed by Vice-Chancellor Aishath Shehenaz Adam.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ibrahim Faisal highlighted that previous administrations had failed to provide adequate training opportunities for employees within the tourism industry. He emphasized that the current government is committed to rectifying this by creating such opportunities, particularly for those with extensive experience in the sector. The Minister also underscored the importance of developing high-standard resorts, stating that the government is prioritizing the transformation of the tourism industry to ensure it delivers maximum benefits to the Maldivian people.
Vice-Chancellor Aishath Shehenaz Adam of MNU spoke about the university’s efforts to establish a world-class training school alongside an international-standard resort in Hulhimendhoo. She expressed confidence that the project would significantly contribute to the country’s efforts to produce skilled professionals for the tourism sector. Shehenaz also noted that the project would identify and address key challenges within the sector and elevate the educational standards of tourism-related training in the Maldives to an international level.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in many occasions has reiterated that one of his top priorities is to reshape the tourism industry in a way that maximizes its benefits for the Maldivian people. He also announced plans to expand the industry into regions that currently lack a tourism sector.