NHGAM strengthens ties with AA. Ukulhas to boost local tourism

The National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM) recently concluded a significant visit to AA. Ukulhas, where they met with the AA. Ukulhas Council and local guesthouse owners to strengthen collaboration in promoting local tourism.

NHGAM, a national NGO dedicated to lobbying the government for the rights of hotels and guesthouses in the Maldives, has also been actively engaged in international marketing efforts. In December of the previous year, the organisation successfully conducted a tourism roadshow in Azerbaijan and Georgia to promote Maldivian guesthouses on a global scale.

During this visit, NHGAM’s executive board held productive discussions with the AA. Ukulhas Council, which expressed strong support for the association’s initiatives. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NHGAM and the Council, solidifying a partnership to enhance the marketing of AA. Ukulhas as a prime local tourism destination.

As part of their outreach, NHGAM board members visited all registered guesthouses on the island, listening to the concerns and challenges faced by business owners. This engagement proved essential in identifying key areas where the association can focus its lobbying efforts to bring about positive change at the policy level.

Additionally, NHGAM representatives introduced membership options for guesthouses, categorised into three tiers: Gold, Silver, and Proud. Each category offers unique benefits, with Gold membership providing the most comprehensive support and marketing opportunities. The response from guesthouse owners was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority opting for Gold membership, demonstrating their strong commitment to actively engaging with NHGAM’s initiatives.

The President of NHGAM remarked, “This visit marks the beginning of a broader effort to directly connect with guesthouse owners across the Maldives.”

The association plans to conduct similar activities in other islands to further strengthen its network and ensure that local guesthouse businesses receive the support they need. With the successful conclusion of this visit, NHGAM is positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing local tourism and advocating for the interests of hotels and guesthouses nationwide.