President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated offering more executive roles to Maldivians is pivotal to spur the tourism industry towards further success. He made the remarks speaking at the Tourism Day 2019 Gala Night held at Crossroads Maldives.
President Solih said the new Tourism Master Plan is nearing completion and it would reflect a developmental roadmap to guide pragmatic progression of the industry. Stressing on the importance of a steady workforce to bring about meaningful national progress, the president noted that minimum wage will be established in the whole nation in the upcoming year.
Articulating on the official World Tourism Day 2019 theme, Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future For All, President Solih emphasised the theme for the year also connotes the importance of planning tourism activities in a manner which generates greater economic benefits for Maldivian populace. He added the theme also signifies how closely tourism is intertwined with Maldivian livelihoods.
Emphasising the importance of increasing the number of jobs offered to locals, President Solih said the government intends to increase the percentage by several folds. He further said the progression of the tourism industry has been driven through investor confidence built by the restoration of stability in the country following the presidential elections last year.
The president also highlighted the government gives high precedence to providing employment for youth, stressing that the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) announced by the government sheds light on the resolve on the development of five priority areas; Blue Economy, Caring State, Dignified Families, Good Governance and Island Lifestyles.