MATATO launches the brand MALDIVES TRAVEL AWARDS

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) have launched Maldives Travel Awards and appointed the event management company High Rise Private Limited to organize and manage the event for a period of 3 years.

The event management company Highrise signed with GMR, who is in charge of running the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA), and appointed GMR as the main and title sponsor for the Maldives Travel Awards 2012 which was introduced by the Maldives Travel Agents Association, MATATO.

GMR’s CEO, Andrew Harisson said that it was a very good opportunity for GMR to be part of such an award given to the parties active in the Maldivian tourism industry.

“The Maldivian tourism industry has developed due to the country’s beauty and the hard work of Maldivian people. I have lived in various countries in the world but haven’t seen another country that gives such a service to its tourists as Maldives does,” He said.

Andrew also said that GMR has given the sponsorship to help in all the areas needed to celebrate the award, which is launched specially in relation to the celebration of 40 years of tourism in Maldives.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Ahmed Adheeb said that there haven’t been many events to celebrate the Tourism Day in previous years. However that there will be many events held this year and that this award will appreciate the parties active in the industry. “Travel Agents do a lot of work in bringing in tourists into the country. Giving such an award to appreciate the work of the tourism sector is very important,” Adheeb also said.

Mohamed Khaleel , President of MATATO said that there are more than 30 categories for nominations, and the participation is totally free of charge for all tourism related establishments based in the Maldives.

Abdulla Ghiyas , Vice President of MATATO said that there is one award where costumers will be voting for the best international Airline arriving to the Maldives.

High Rise have succefully executed various events during 2011 and 2012 in Maldives as well as in Sri Lanka. The company ensures that GMR Maldives Travel Awards 2012 will be among the most grand and prestigious events of 2012.