The Futureshapers' Workshop, organised by Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), has concluded successfully.
The full-day Business-to-Business event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and media representatives for strategic discussions to chart the next phase of growth for the Maldives tourism industry. The symposium, building on the success of last year's inaugural event, served as one of the largest and most comprehensive industry gathering to date. Sessions focused on knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and the co-creation of strategies to ensure the Maldives remains a leading global tourism destination.
The workshop opened with remarks by VMC's Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree, who shared a recap of 2025 performance and set the tone for the forward-looking discussions.
"This symposium has reaffirmed that the strength of Maldives tourism lies in the unity of its stakeholders. The collective insights shared today will guide our Ocean Nation strategy for 2026, ensuring our growth is sustainable, innovative, and deeply connected to our identity,” he said.
Speaking to PSM News earlier regarding the workshop, Shiuree said the workshop aimed to hold discussions with industry stakeholders and explore solutions, as well as obtaining their feedback and ideas before formulating next year’s strategic plan.
The seminar featured various segments to exchange ideas among the participants and strengthen the relationship between institutions, including constructive presentations, panel discussions and surveys.
Delivering keynote remarks, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, highlighted the dynamic transformation of the industry.
"Maldives tourism has now evolved to provide a diverse menu of experiences, each catered to the changing preferences and expectations of visitors. Communicating this effectively is our shared mission,” he said.
Highlights of the symposium included:
* Ocean Insights session led by Sarah Mathews, CEO of e-Tourism Frontiers, decoding traveller personas and emerging global trends.
* Destination Marketing Plan 2026 presentation, unveiling VMC's Ocean Nation strategy.
* Keynotes and panel discussions on luxury tourism, superyacht and boating tourism, and guesthouse and atoll tourism.
* Working Lunch with market updates from India, China, Russia, Germany, the UK, Italy, the Middle East, USA, and France.
* Facilitated table discussions where working groups explored opportunities for innovation, diversification, and market expansion.
Closing the symposium, VMC Chairperson Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz called on stakeholders to view marketing as an investment rather than a cost, stressing the importance of strategic and bold initiatives to maintain Maldives' position as the world's ultimate luxury destination.
"I call to our legislators: marketing is not a cost—it is an investment. Our competitors outspend us daily. We are working smarter, but there are limits. If we are to remain the world's ultimate luxury destination, we must invest more boldly, strategically, and sustainably," he said.
As part of the post-event process, VMC will compile notes, survey findings, and key recommendations from the symposium into a comprehensive report, to be shared with participants by mid-October 2025. This report will serve as a reference for shaping the 2026 strategy and supporting industry-wide action.
The Tourism Symposium 2025 - The Futureshapers' Workshop underscores the Maldives' commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring the continued success of one of the world's most renowned island destinations.