77 bestowed the President’s Tourism Gold Award

Seventy-seven recipients were presented the President’s Tourism Gold Award during the Tourism Golden Year Gala Evening held at Kurumba Maldives on Monday night.

The most notable recipients of the awards presented by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih himself are the three pioneers of Maldivian tourism who are hailed as leaders in the sector, having made significant contributions over the past 50 years; Mohamed Umar Manik, Hussain Afeef and current Health Minister Ahmed Naseem.

President Solih also presented awards to former presidents, recognizing their valuable contributions to the development of the tourism sector during their respective administrations. In this regard, former president late Ibrahim Nasir was presented with ‘Award for the Valuable Contribution in the Inception of Tourism’ – in light of his important decision back in 1972, to initiate tourism in the Maldives.

Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom was presented with ‘Award for the Valuable Contribution in Establishing Maldives as a Global Brand’ in recognition of the comprehensive policies formulated during his administration to establish Maldives as a global brand, and cooperation in further enhancing the sector.

Former president, current Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed was presented with ‘Award for the Valuable Contribution in the Inception of Community-based Tourism in the Maldives’ in recognition of his initiative to further guesthouse businesses in 2010, to introduce local tourism on residential islands.

Notable leaders in the tourism sector were also presented with awards;

Qasim Ibrahim: Qasim Ibrahim entered the tourism business in 1981, and is celebrated as the first person to develop a resort with most beds.

Champa Mohamed Moosa (Uchu): Uchu is notable for making a business that started out small into one of the country’s most successful businesses

Vice President Faisal Naseem: Joining the tourism sector at just 17-years-old, VP Faisal played a role building and developing skilled youths for the sector

Ahmed Siyam Mohamed: Siyam who joined the tourism sector in the 1990s has achieved significant success in the industry over the years

Many, apart from those named were presented awards at last night’s Tourism Golden Year Gala Evening, which marks as the final event hosted by the Ministry of Tourism to commemorate the 50th anniversary of tourism in the Maldives. The purpose of this event was to recognize all those who have contributed to the Maldives' tourism industry's success over the last 50 years.