News
MATATO and PATA signs an MOU to extend cooperation and share opportunities & resources between the two organizations

Maldives.net.mv – Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, MATATO and Pacific Asia Travel Association, PATA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to extend cooperation and share opportunities and resources between the two organizations. The MOU was signed by Mr. Abdulla Ghiyaz, President of MATATO and Mr. Mario Hardy, CEO of PATA, on 10th September 2016, at a special event hosted during the PATA Travel Mart 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
This MOU is a result of close collaborations between PATA and MATATO in the recent years, to seek more opportunities for Maldivian tourism sector, through PATA’s extensive international travel network and programs. PATA is one of the leading tourism Organizations in the world, with over 8000 members and 43 active PATA country chapters worldwide.
“Signing of this MOU marks a success in our efforts to build corporation with international organizations and institutes, which we believe, in the future will add value to our programs and projects. Partnership with PATA gives us access to remarkable resources and opportunities.” Said Mr. Ghiyaz, President, MATATO. “Going ahead, MATATO will be more engaged with PATA events and programs worldwide, and we will be working together to host one of PATA events in Maldives, in a near future”.
Under this MoU both organisations will extend cooperation in areas of research and publication, advocacy, training and human resource develop and destination marketing. The two organizations will share selected intelligence and proprietary research and produce joint research or position papers. MATATO and PATA will also work together to revive PATA Maldives chapter and bring PATA affiliated programs to Maldives.
“This agreement with MATATO helps members of both associations to expand their networks, insights and business. Through this partnership we will work together to find new avenues and opportunities in producing tangible and mutually beneficial benefits for both our organizations.” Said Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA.
Market data, research, networking opportunities in emerging markets and having accessibility to leading travel events that shape the global tourism, are some of the benefits that MATATO members will have access to through this MOU. MATATO also believes that corporation affiliations with international organizations, as PATA will affirm the organizations’ foothold as a strong advocator in the travel industry of Maldives.
Featured
Westin Maldives Miriandhoo introduces Family Fun Summer package
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, aimed at families seeking longer island stays built around shared activities and rest. The offer is available for booking from 15 April to 15 June 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights for travel through to 20 December 2026.
Located within Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is positioning the offer around family wellness, marine experiences and time spent together in a natural island setting. Seasonal snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay remains one of the area’s key attractions, while the resort’s collection of beach and overwater villas is designed to accommodate families looking for space and flexibility during their stay.
For larger families and groups, the resort also offers the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence, which includes a living room, kitchen and dining area intended to support longer and more relaxed island stays.
The resort says the guest experience can be shaped around both activity and downtime, supported by Westin’s Sleep Well concept and Heavenly Bed. Children have access to the Westin Family Kids Club, which includes a children’s pool and pirate ship, while parents can make use of Heavenly Spa by Westin.
Away from the villa, the resort is also promoting shared family experiences through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy activities focused on the culture and environment of Baa Atoll. These include traditional lacquer craft workshops, visits to local islands and guided marine activities in surrounding waters.
The Family Fun Summer package includes three meals per day, with children under 12 dining free of charge. It also includes a one-time dolphin cruise for two adults and two children, a 30-minute photography session with one printed photo, and a USD 150 resort credit.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort recognised in four categories at 2026 Haute Grandeur Awards
Reethi Faru Resort has been recognised at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving honours in four categories: Best Beach Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Pool Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Maldives, and Best Sustainable Hotel in Maldives.
The awards recognise performance across villa accommodation and environmentally focused hospitality, reflecting the resort’s emphasis on guest experience alongside sustainability and environmental stewardship.
According to the resort, the recognition supports its positioning within the Maldives market as a property that combines natural surroundings, accommodation standards and responsible hospitality practices.
Located on Filaidhoo in Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort features 145 villas, including beachfront and overwater accommodation designed in a style that combines Maldivian elements with contemporary comfort.
The resort’s food and beverage offering includes six restaurants and six bars, while its leisure facilities cover watersports, diving, yoga, spa treatments and fitness activities. Surrounded by coral reefs, the resort also offers guests access to marine-based experiences in the Indian Ocean.
Sustainability remains a central part of the resort’s operations, with initiatives that include coral reef restoration and guest experiences linked to environmental awareness.
Through its recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, Reethi Faru Resort has added to its profile as a Maldives resort with a focus on both accommodation standards and sustainability.
News
Sun Siyam Iru Veli organises tree planting activity for Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day 2026, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Sun Siyam, hosted a purposeful evening inspired by this year’s global theme, Our Power, Our Planet. The evening brought together guests and team members for a meaningful tree planting ceremony along the shores of Magoodhoo Beach. It was an evening dedicated to celebrating the belief that everyday actions can lead to lasting environmental progress through collective, community-led effort.

The bamboo planted during this ceremony was chosen with purpose, representing more than a symbolic gesture. This fast-growing plant absorbs high levels of carbon dioxide, releases generous amounts of oxygen, and regenerates naturally from its root system. For small islands, it offers a thoughtful and space-efficient solution that supports greener landscapes while helping protect fragile coastlines. The planting also builds on a growing legacy at Magoodhoo Beach, where coconut trees planted during last year’s Eid celebrations are now thriving, adding new life and shade to the island’s natural beauty.

Sustainability at Sun Siyam Iru Veli is a year-round commitment shaped through everyday action. Earlier this April, 29 team members took part in a recycling training session led by the resort’s Training and Quality Assurance team, reinforcing environmental awareness across departments. Fresh herbs and produce grown on the island, including chillies, limes, coriander, rosemary, and pandan leaves, are incorporated into culinary experiences across the resort. Craftsmanship also plays a meaningful role, with statement planters, tabletops, and other design elements created in-house by the resort’s skilled engineers and carpenters using repurposed materials, reducing waste and transport impact while adding character and authenticity.

These initiatives reflect Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s year-round commitment to thoughtful hospitality, responsible island living, and the values of Sun Siyam Care. They are guided by a belief that meaningful progress is shaped through consistent action, and the resort remains dedicated to preserving the beauty of its surroundings while creating impactful experiences for the guests.
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