The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), which has achieved a notable success in the long history of the Maldivian tourism industry and represents the country’s tourism sector, has been elected to the Board of Affiliate Members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). MATI notes that this position, secured for the term running from 2026 to 2029, represents a significant advancement for the Maldivian tourism sector.
MATI is the first association from the Maldivian tourism industry to be included in this international board. MATI received its affiliate membership in UNWTO on September 11, 2019, during the 23rd General Assembly of UNWTO. MATI has secured one of the two regional seats allocated for South Asia on the UNWTO Affiliate Members Board. MATI will be represented on this board by its Deputy Secretary-General, Assad Ali.
MATI highlights that this election provides an opportunity to voice Maldivian tourism on a global stage and is an excellent chance to share the Maldives’ tourism experience in the international arena. The UNWTO Affiliate Members Board consists of 20 elected positions. The board is composed of 12 regional members from six international regions and 8 global members.
The main responsibilities of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Board include making administrative and technical decisions in its plenary sessions. Additionally, it provides strategic advice on the work program and annual objectives of the Affiliate Membership, advises the Secretary-General on the Affiliate Members’ program of work, offers guidance on strategic matters related to Affiliate Membership, and carries out tasks assigned by the committee.
