Visit Maldives Introduces “This is My Maldives” Photography Contest Alongside ‘Creatoll’ Platform

Visit Maldives Corporation Limited (VMC) has launched a global photography competition titled “This is My Maldives”, inviting creators to share visual stories of the country as part of the official rollout of its new digital content marketplace, Creatoll.

The competition was launched during the public unveiling of Creatoll, a digital platform developed by VMC to support the creation, sharing and licensing of Maldivian creative content.

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The launch ceremony was held at Public Service Media (PSM) and officiated by Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed alongside VMC CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree.

“This is My Maldives” invites photographers of all skill levels to submit original images capturing the Maldives across themes, including places, people, culture, nature and experiences. Organisers said the initiative aims to highlight the country’s diversity and everyday life through authentic visual storytelling.

The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of MVR 50,000. Submitted photographs must be original works taken within the Maldives. While copyright remains with the photographer, VMC will retain a non-exclusive licence to use submitted images for destination promotion and official purposes.

The competition forms part of broader efforts under Creatoll to engage local and international creators and expand opportunities within the creative economy, according to the company.

Creatoll is designed as a national digital marketplace for Maldivian visual and creative assets, allowing photographers, videographers, filmmakers, creative businesses and content owners to showcase and monetise their work.

The platform enables users to create verified profiles, upload and price content, retain ownership of their work, and earn from licensed sales. Clients, including tourism operators, media organisations, government institutions and agencies, can access and purchase content through structured licensing arrangements.

Speaking at the launch, VMC CEO Ibrahim Shiuree said the platform is intended to strengthen destination storytelling through authentic local perspectives and expand opportunities for creators. 

He said Creatoll aims to reflect that the Maldives is not only defined by its natural environment but also by its people, culture, heritage and creativity.

The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage will support the platform through cultural categorisation, metadata development and integration of artist and cultural practitioner databases.

Visit Maldives has also partnered with Public Service Media, which will contribute archival and contemporary audiovisual materials, including documentaries, footage and historical records, to enrich the platform’s content base.