The National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM) successfully held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Saturday at the Kaani Palm Beach Conference Hall in Maafushi. The gathering brought together NHGAM members, including guesthouse owners, hoteliers, and industry stakeholders from across the Maldives, to discuss the association’s achievements over the past year and to outline strategic plans for the future development of the community tourism sector.
NHGAM presented its 2024 accomplishments and annual report, highlighting the association’s expanded global presence through participation in international fairs such as ITB Berlin, ITB China, Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, and World Travel Market in London. The association’s ‘I AM Maldives’ magazine launch and roadshows in India, Azerbaijan, and Georgia marked important steps in promoting local tourism internationally and providing avenues to its members in potential business opportunities to further elevate their presence.
Throughout 2024, NHGAM conducted 54 activities focused on policy development, international promotion, and community engagement. The association formalised strategic partnerships with key local organisations including MMPRC and Maldives Islamic Bank while securing representation on four national committees to influence tourism policy development.
NHGAM’s advocacy efforts led to important policy changes, including revisions to the Foreign Currency Act and contributions to transit hotel regulations. The association also addressed workforce development through participation in the Minimum Wage Committee and promoted balanced regional tourism growth through initiatives in Shaviyani Atoll, Thoddoo, and Addu City.
The AGM concluded with approval of strategic plans and budget for 2025, reinforcing NHGAM’s dedication to responsible, community-centred tourism guided by its core pillars: Community, Culture, and Connections.
