Tourism MoU Expected to Drive Higher Participation of Women in Sector

Young Maldivians are to gain wider access to practical training in resorts, hotels and guesthouses under a five-year agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, with a particular focus on encouraging women to enter the tourism workforce.

The Memorandum of Understanding supports the expansion of the National Apprenticeship Program (NAP) within the tourism sector. It was signed on 7 October by Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, at the youth ministry.

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The programme is open to Maldivians aged 16 to 35 and provides workplace training alongside experienced industry professionals. Participants will receive financial support during their training and, upon completion, a recognised certification reflecting the skills and experience they have gained.

Under the agreement, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation will work with tourist establishments to secure placements and encourage industry participation. The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness will promote the programme and coordinate applications, training and certification.

Both ministries will also conduct outreach and work with the industry to encourage more young Maldivian women to take up apprenticeships and pursue careers in tourism.

Minister Ameen said: “Tourism belongs to every Maldivian. This partnership opens the door for our young people, and especially our young women, to gain real experience, earn while they learn and build lasting careers in the industry that drives our nation.”

The initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to increase local participation in tourism and develop a skilled Maldivian workforce to meet the sector’s needs.

Information on future application opportunities will be announced by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness.