Minister of Toursim Mariyam Zulfa has said that Maldives tourism industry has been built upon the blood , sweat and tears of our very own pioneers.
Minister Zulfa said this at the inauguration ceremony of the Hilton-Worldwide group’s sea-plane lounge at Male’ International Airport yesterday.
“Hilton chain came to the Maldives in 1997, if my information is correct, introduced by one of the living pioneers of the Maldives tourism industry, Mr.Hussain Afeef. While the coming of chains like Hilton and Conrad to the Maldives is an inevitable next step in the progression of Maldives as a competitive destination, we must never forget that the Maldives tourism industry has been built upon the blood , sweat and tears of our very own pioneers and Maldivian entrepreneurs, and the many successes that the industry enjoys today are in large part due to the innovative and creative entrepreneurship shown by our own industry players,” she said.
Minister Zulfa said that the Maldives tourism industry is in need of directions for growth and the government has started a dialogue with industry participants through a master plan advisory committee, to obtain advice on how policies ought to be shaped, beds ought to be distributed, infrastructure and services ought to be provided and so on. She noted that there is one area of much debate on how the services at Male’ International Airport are not commensurate with the needs of the large numbers of high end tourist that our destination attracts.
“Be that as it may, I am very happy to note that the private sector has once again led the way in establishing this benchmark facility and shown the example of how services ought to complement the beautiful resorts that the industry has built throughout the country,” she said.
Minister Zulfa also expressed her gratitude for the Hilton, Hilton Maldives Irufushi Conrad, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Waldorf Astoria groups for lending their name to the success of this destination. She said that the government is appreciative of their presence in the destination and will do all it can to ensure efficacy in the services that you provide.
The Minister also called all upon the managements of all international brands in Maldives, that the country is in need their help in providing greater opportunities of growth for young men and women. She said that she is fully appreciative of the fact that world class companies such as Hilton have work systems, quality assurance mechanisms, performance goals and set targets.
“At the same time I am very aware that the young men and women exiting our school systems in the Maldives are not job ready to participate in the many opportunities your management systems and excellent management cultures provide. I call upon you to spare some thought and attention to how our very own young men and women could contribute to your operations. They need assistance from excellent companies such as yourselves. Training opportunities and apprenticeship programs to enable them to work alongside you and gain world class on-the- job experience and learn from you. I know that some chains already do provide many such opportunities but much more is needed to provide the necessary growth and stimulus our economy needs,” she said. Maldives Holidays
During her speech, Minister Zulfa also sent the greetings and congratulations from President Mohamed Nasheed on this momentous on the occasion of the opening of this lounge facility for the guests of this Group.
“On his behalf and on behalf of the government, I warmly congratulate the Hilton Worldwide Group and Trans Maldivian Airways. This service is a benchmark in the evolution of the Maldives tourism product. It is the very hallmark of how successfully the Maldives tourism industry has progressed from stage to stage,” she said.
