Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has opened nomination for the Guesthouse Edition of Maldives Travel Awards.
MATATO said any guesthouse in operation for at least a year can send in a completed application form by September 10 via email or the official website. Nominations will also be accepted from travel agents, travel organisations and registered travel businesses in Maldives. Nominations are open for 12 categories. Additionally, MATATO will award recognitions in three categories, including Leading Business Development Partner for the Guesthouse Industry, Newcomer of the Year and Most Supportive Guesthouse.
Nominees will be evaluated and shortlisted to five contenders in each category based on the rating on TripAdvisor, which accounts for 40% of the total score, according to MATATO. Shortlisted properties will then be announced and featured for popular vote, which accounts for the remaining 60% of the final score.
Introduced this year, the Guesthouse Edition builds on the recognitions awarded to guesthouses by MATATO as part of the Maldives Travel Awards, and celebrates the outstanding performance of the guesthouse sector. The Guesthouse Edition will be hosted during the Guesthouses Maldives Conference 2017 on September 23.