The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) signs a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Embassy of the Republic of Maldives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of a new era of outbound travel and tourism cooperation between the two nations.
The signing ceremony took place in Riyadh at the Embassy of the Maldives, with the presence of Mr. Mohamed Bassam Adam, Chief Executive Officer of MATATO; Hon. Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed, Member of Parliament and Member of the Parliament Foreign Relations Committee; and senior officials from the Embassy of the Maldives, including Mr. Moosa Nizar Ibrahim, Minister Counsellor, and Mr. Shafeeu Abdulla, Counsellor.
This landmark MOU establishes a formal framework for collaboration between MATATO and the Embassy to enhance the Maldives’ positioning in the Saudi outbound market, build strategic alliances, and connect key industry stakeholders through a coordinated approach.
Building Industry Connectivity and Strategic Collaborations
Beyond media, the partnership with the Embassy focuses on deepening trade and industry linkages, led by MATATO. This includes engaging Saudi travel agents and tour operators, coordinating joint marketing activations, and exploring collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s tourism mega projects.
Through these efforts, MATATO aims to leverage the Maldives’ decades-long leadership as a pioneer in luxury tourism to support mutually beneficial destination development and market growth.
Leadership Vision: A New Chapter for MATATO
Under the leadership of Mohamed Bassam Adam, MATATO is entering a transformative phase — modernizing its role, strengthening its international presence, and forging strategic partnerships that deliver real impact for the Maldivian travel trade.
“This MOU marks a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia. By working closely with the Embassy, media networks, and travel industry stakeholders, we are entering a new era that will position the Maldives among the top outbound destinations for Saudi travelers,” said Mohamed Bassam Adam, CEO of MATATO.
“Through strategic storytelling, trade engagement, and media innovation, we aim to unlock new opportunities that benefit both markets.”
A Collaborative Future
This MOU reflects MATATO’s renewed focus on the Middle East as a high-potential market, while aligning with the Maldives’ broader tourism diversification strategy. By connecting media power, industry expertise, and diplomatic support, this collaboration lays the foundation for a long-term, impactful partnership between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia.
