The Rashu Expo, an event dedicated to promoting local tourism and island culture and traditions, kicked off on Thursday at Hulhumale’s Central Park.
Organised by The Travel Guys, a marketing and PR firm that promotes the Maldives, the event will run from 13 to 15 February. The expo is dedicated to local tourism in the Maldives. The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, officially inaugurated the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Saeed emphasised that the Rashu Expo is a high-priority initiative for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He highlighted the government’s commitment to small and medium businesses.
"I would like to emphasise the importance the President places on this event. I am here at the direct request of the President, as the President's Office strongly supports this initiative. This demonstrates the President’s commitment to acknowledging and recognising the efforts of small and medium businesses,” he stated.
The Minister also underscored the significance of marketing island-specific attractions to tourists to enhance locals tourism in islands. The Minister noted that it is also an essential part of the economic expansion of the islands, adding that it would facilitate the promotion and marketing of the island.
"Among them is culture. Some islands have large wetlands. Some islands have environmental attractions. Some islands have a heritage which remains unshowcased to tourists. If tourists can be presented with the authentic story of each island, this will serve as a powerful marketing merit for the island. As for connectivity, the government needs to ensure that entry and exit to the islands are accessible,” he explained.
Minister Saeed said the Maldives has several foreign mission embassies in different countries to help promote businesses and the islands. The Minister said collaborative efforts can be undertaken with embassies and missions to promote islands and businesses.
The Minister further highlighted the benefits of the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement. He noted that the duty charge of between 5 percent and 10 percent previously imposed on construction materials or furniture, fittings and lighting etc. has now been reduced to zero percent for new guesthouse businesses under the agreement.
The Rashu Expo features over 50 stalls representing island councils, guesthouses, resorts and SMEs. This includes over 25 islands and various companies. Participants showed off their local crafts, cultural heritage and traditional cuisine. They also shared information about the services and business opportunities available at the stalls.
"We want to share the uniqueness of our islands and our traditional cuisine, and contribute towards the growth of local tourism," an expo participant said.