Following the success of the PATA Dream to Travel Festival, particularly the Dream to Travel Forums, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in partnership with BBC Global News, is pleased to announce the launch of the Destination Insight Series. This webinar series will take a close look at various destinations around the Asia Pacific region as examine how they are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare towards recovery. The panel discussions will provide a 360° local perspective of each destinations’ on-ground activities and preparations (operational, marketing, communications, etc.).
This episode of the Destination Insight Series will focus on the Maldives. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it is one of only two destinations in the world that have completely lifted all travel restrictions in the last two months as of September 22. Join us to find out how the Maldives adapted to accept international travellers from all over the world during the “new normal’. What are the challenges that they faced, what have they learned along the way and what can other destinations and industry stakeholders do to avoid the same issues?
Speakers include:
Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Maldives
Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, born to the island of Kelaa, Maldives took oath of office as the Minister of Tourism on 6th August 2020. Mausoom started his career in the year 1985 as an Administrative Officer at the Department of Tourism, Maldives. Read More
Hassan Areef, General Manager/Corporate Communications, Maldives Airports Company Limited
Hassan Areef is presently the head of Corporate Communications and also the spokes-person of MACL. Over the past years he has done extensive work in bringing MACL and Velana International Airport (VIA) into lime light in both local and International Arenas.
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John Williams, Vice President Advertising Sales - Singapore & South East Asia, BBC Global News Limited
John Williams is a part of the leadership team for BBC Global News Limited advertising sales team, based in Singapore and reporting into Alistair McEwan, SVP Commercial Development Asia Pacific, based in Sydney. Read More
Shafiyya Steinhilber, Director of Sales, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
Shafiyya started her career at the age of 17 and has been an unstoppable strength ever since bringing more than 18+ years of experience in managerial and executive roles in hospitality industry. From an F&B hostess, she moved to Front Office, Spa, Housekeeping, Sales & Events Management, Reservations and Revenue Management in renowned International Hotel Chains. Read More
Dr. Naushad Mohamed, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Maldives
Dr. Naushad Mohamed has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Tourism 10th December 2018. In his current post he is mainly involved in discussion of tourism policy developments with government agencies and industry stakeholders related to development of tourism models that are inclusive and sustainable for small island states such as the Maldives. Read More
Abdulla Ghiyas, Vice President, Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) and Chair, PATA Maldives Chapter
Abdulla Ghiyas is PATA Maldives Chapter Chair (MATATO) and PATA Face of the Future 2018 and President of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO), which he has led over the past four years. Read More
Carmen Roberts, Presenter, BBC's The Travel Show
Carmen Roberts is a travel writer and television presenter, predominantly for The Travel Show and previously for the BBC's fast:track programme, broadcast on BBC World News. She has travelled extensively with the show and has filmed in more than 70 countries around the world. Read More