The Visit Maldives Club (VMC) is set to launch a global sports fishing competition scheduled between April and May 2025. The VMC, an initiative driven by the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) team, aims to strengthen the Maldives’ tourism industry through engaging events that foster a unified tourism community and elevate the Maldives as a premier global destination.
Ahmed Saaif, president of the Visit Maldives Club, described the event as a significant milestone for 2025. He emphasised that the tournament would promote sports tourism opportunities, particularly sports fishing, in the Maldives. Saaif acknowledged the strong support and enthusiasm from the industry, other institutions, club members, and MMPRC management, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the initiative.
The Burunu Boma Sports Fishing Tournament, officially launching on December 20, 2025, at 20:00 hrs, is tailored to attract international fishing enthusiasts and participants from the Maldives’ tourism sector. The competition emphasises the “catch and release” method, prioritising the preservation of marine ecosystems while fostering healthy and friendly competition.
MMPRC’s CEO and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree, highlighted the event’s significance, expressing hope for the Maldives’ growth in the world of sports fishing. He noted that the tournament represents a step toward promoting sustainable fisheries and tourism initiatives. Shiuree also mentioned that the Maldives’ recent recognition as the World’s Leading Green Destination aligns with the country’s mission to showcase its long-standing sustainable fishing practices. He expressed optimism that the event would attract international participants and position the Maldives as a prominent hub for sports tourism.
Taking place in the Maldives’ pristine and biodiverse waters, the tournament will spotlight sustainable fishing practices in alignment with global conservation efforts. It also aims to raise awareness among tourism professionals about responsible practices. Participants will have the opportunity to win various prizes across multiple categories, with special recognition for efforts in sustainable fishing.
The championship has received endorsements from the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Visit Maldives, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), National Hotel and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM), National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation (MFORMPC), and the Maldivian Red Crescent.
Through this initiative, the Visit Maldives Club seeks to enhance the Maldives’ reputation as a leading global destination for fishing while supporting sustainable practices. The event underscores the country’s commitment to sports tourism and sustainable development in its tourism sector.