The 15th edition of the UNWTO Annual Executive Training Programme is being hosted in the Maldives. This leading platform has returned with the theme focusing on harnessing the power of domestic tourism to drive recovery and growth in destinations across Asia and the Pacific.
Attended by tourism leaders in the region and representatives from 25 countries, the hybrid session was officially inaugurated by Minister of Tourism of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom. The Maldives is committed to building the industry back greener, and Dr. Mausoom assured its efforts to promote the rich culture, traditions and heritage of the destination.
The event was also joined by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, who emphasized that “the sector needs leaders who can recognize ideas that will make a difference, who will innovate and back entrepreneurs and start-ups”.
The opening sessions focused on destination management and was led by UNWTO experts alongside key partners, followed by sessions focusing on the role of innovation and private sector partnerships in growing domestic tourism. UNWTO and Japan Internation Corporation signed an agreement for the collaborated efforts to contribute to the accelerated tourism recovery in the Maldives for a safe and sustainable restart of the sector.