Rifai: Maldives is an example in protecting the environment

Secretary General of UNWTO, the Tourism agency of the United Nations, Taleb Rifai has said that the Maldives in an example in protecting the environment.

Speaking at the press conference after initiating the regional conference of the UNWTO at Bandos Island Resort, Mr. Rifai said that Maldives has one of the most fragile environments and yet the country has been developing the tourism without harming the environment.

Noting four major changes to the tourism trend, Mr. Rifai said that protecting the environment is one of the most important one. He said that the environment is the natural treasure of tourism and if one is developing their tourism, they have to maintain their environment.

Another change to tourism trended noted by the Secretary General was the changing of the “Source Markets”. And so he biggest markets have changed and the number of tourists has increased from China, India, Brazil, Malaysia and Indonesia. He also noted that the number of older tourists has increased as of late and so it is important to adapt the services provided as per the changes.

Secretary General Rifai also said that the role of social media has expanded with the changes to the tourism sector with the advancement of technology.

At the press conference, Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Adheeb said that the Secretary General’s words would be taken into account.

The Regional conference of the UNWTO is ongoing in the Maldives. High officials of the tourism sector across South Asia, East Asia and Pacific are taking part in this conference.