The Maldives is set to enhance its tourism sector with the upcoming development of a training resort within the next two years, announced by Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr. Mariyam Mariya. This initiative, in collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU), aims to attract international students and develop essential skills among local professionals.
During a recent press conference, Dr. Mariya stated that the primary goal of the training resort is to provide top-tier education and practical training tailored to the tourism industry. The proposal for the resort has been completed and is currently under review, with plans to seek investors within the following year.
The Maldivian tourism sector is currently facing a major challenge due to a shortage of well-trained locals for senior roles. Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has highlighted the government’s commitment to bringing back Maldivian students into the workforce by offering scholarships. The training resort aims to address this issue by providing training programs tailored to the tourism industry, equipping these students with quality education and real-world experiences.
Current population statistics indicate that out of 58,089 individuals employed in tourism, only 22,337 are Maldivians, which represents just 40% of the workforce. Meanwhile, over 35,000 foreign workers are currently in the industry. The development of a training resort is a crucial step in addressing the challenges facing the Maldivian tourism sector, potentially reshaping the future of the tourism industry in the Maldives.
