Nation of Isles
The Maldives is a unique archipelago made up of 1192 islands, spanning a total distance of 871 kilometers. Traditionally known as the “garland of islands”, ancient seafarers were mesmerized by the breathtaking view of the delicate atolls scattered in the Indian Ocean and were equally charmed by the friendliness of the locals.
The Maldives, now famous worldwide for its pristine beaches, azure lagoons, and exquisite underwater scenery, continue to fascinate tourists from around the world with the special warmth of the Maldivian hospitality.
General Information Note
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
PRESIDENT OF THE MALDIVES
As we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Maldivian tourism, I am extremely pleased that we are hosting the UNWTO Global Summit on Community-based Tourism in the Maldives. This year, for the first time, Maldives started a home-stay tourism initiative. Guests can now stay at the homes of local Maldivians where they can enjoy authentic local cuisine, learn the culture and traditions of us Dhivehin, and most importantly contribute meaningfully to the local economy at a community level.
I hope this Summit would be a platform through which tourist destinations can learn and share our experiences with one another on how to make tourism more sustainable, resilient to climate change, and beneficial for local communities. I look forward to welcoming you all to the Maldives and participating in this Summit
Dr. Abdulla Mausoom
MINISTER OF TOURISM, MALDIVES
As part of the celebrations of 50 years of tourism in the Maldives, we are delighted to host the UNWTO Global Summit on Community-based Tourism, in association with World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) along with two major administrative meetings of the UNWTO, in the Maldives.
The theme for this summit aligns with the government’s efforts on diversification and linking tourism and its benefits to local island communities. This Summit will focus on areas of community-based tourism, such as agro-tourism, gastronomy tourism, eco-tourism which broadens and enhances the product base for the destination as they are fast becoming significant attractions for tourists.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Maldives to attend the Global Summit on Community-based Tourism, one of the key events of the Maldives Golden Year of Tourism.
Zurab Pololikashvili
SECRETARY GENERAL, UNWTO
This is an important year for tourism. After the devastation caused by the pandemic, it is heartening to see light at the end of the tunnel and the return of tourists to both Maldives and destinations everywhere.
UNWTO’s statistics show that international tourist arrivals worldwide more than doubled in January 2022 compared to 2021. This is a reflection of the growing confidence of travellers and it gives us reason to be optimistic as we mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Maldives’ tourism development this year.
It is against the backdrop of the commemoration of these 50 years that we have joined hands with the Government of the Maldives to organize the 34th Joint Meeting of UNWTO’s two Asian Commissions here, in conjunction with the Ministerial Roundtable on Tourism Resilience through Innovation and Digitalization in Asia and the Pacific and with the Global Summit on Community-based Tourism.
After an unprecedented crisis, the time is ripe for policymakers and industry leaders to put their heads together to discuss the way forward towards a more sustainable and resilient tourism.
It is my pleasure to invite you to join UNWTO’s most important events in Asia in the Pacific in 2022, organised within the framework of Maldives’ landmark celebrations.
UNWTO Events
Please register for your preferred event(s) by clicking register now
34th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (34th CAP-CSA)
The 34th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia will be held at CROSSROADS Maldives, on the morning of 14th June 2022.
UNWTO Ministerial Roundtable on Tourism Resilience through Innovation and Digitalization in Asia and the Pacific
The UNWTO Ministerial Roundtable on Tourism Resilience through Innovation and Digitalization in Asia and the Pacific will be held at CROSSROADS Maldives, on the afternoon of 14th June 2022.
UNWTO Global Summit on Community-based Tourism
The Opening Ceremony of UNTWO Global Summit on Community-based Tourism will be held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 15th June 2022. The Gastronomy Tourism Session of the Summit will take place on 16th June 2022 at CROSSROADS Maldives and the Agro-Tourism and Community-based Tourism Session will take place on 16th June 2022 at Paradise Island Resort & Spa.
