The President today called on everyone involved in the tourism sector to promote the tourism industry as a popular career choice among Maldivians to increase their participation in the development of the industry. He made the statement in a function held this afternoon at the President?s Office to present the annual presidential awards for the tourism industry.

In his speech, the President noted that tourism was a very competitive global industry, and that the achievements of the Maldives? tourism industry were indeed remarkable. Highlighting the important contribution of the private sector in the rapid development of tourism in the country, the President emphasised the need to train more Maldivian youths for employment in the industry.

The President announced that, from next year, the Government would introduce three categories in which tourism resorts would be selected for the prestigious annual human resource awards.

Speaking on the central role of tourism in national development, the President stressed that the preservation and protection of the country?s serene natural environment was a key priority in sustaining the continued development of the industry in the time ahead. He said that, while international consensus was needed to address global environmental challenges, the Maldives was committed to implement possible mitigation measures to protect the environment. He urged the concerned Government authorities, tourism industry personnel, NGOs and members of the public to work in partnership to maintain high environmental protection standards in the Maldives.

During today?s event, the President presented the 2004 Occupancy Awards, the 2005 Green Resort Award and the 2005 Human Resource Development Award to the recipients.

The 2004 Occupancy Awards went to Thundufushi Island Resort, Thulhaagili Island Resort and Velidhoo Island Resort. The Green Resort for 2005 was Sonevafushi Resort and Spa, and the winner of the 2005 Human Resource Development Award was Laguna Maldives.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shauqee said that the annual presidential awards for the tourism industry were a source of great encouragement for the industry to achieve higher standards. He thanked the President for the close attention and high priority that he had attached to the development of tourism in the Maldives. He praised the managements of the award-winning resorts for their excellent performance and congratulated them on their achievement.

Mr. Mohamed Naeem, Managing Director of Angiri Resort Management and Operation Private Limited ? the owners of Thulhaagiri Resort, spoke on behalf of the award-winning resorts. He said that, with the Grace of the Almighty Allah, the vision of those working in the tourism industry was to develop the industry to improve the welfare of the Maldivian people.

Thursday, March 16, 2006