Maldivian Tourism Workforce Challenges Decoded by MATI

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has brought attention to several important issues and suggestions for the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in the Maldives. One of the main concerns raised is the existing employment quota policy in the tourism industry, particularly within the resort sector.

Mati emphasized the Maldivian economy's significant dependence on the tourism sector, where resorts hold a crucial position. Nonetheless, the industry is confronted with a significant obstacle in the form of a mismatch between the local workforce available and the rising employment needs. According to a study conducted by People First HR Consultancy, the tourism industry is projected to need around 78,087 employees by 2027, marking a surge of 20,245 from the 2022 figure. This growth significantly exceeds the anticipated number of local individuals entering the workforce, which is only projected to reach 18,658 during the 2023-2027 periods.

It is concerning that only 2,439 local workers are projected to enter the tourism industry, which makes it unfeasible to sustain the current employment balance of 55% expatriates and 45% locals. MATI stresses the immediate necessity to review and adjust this ratio to align with the real workforce availability and distribution across industries in the Maldives.

The organization also emphasizes the need to streamline the process for granting work visas to foreign musicians, performers, and entertainers. This acknowledges the limited availability of local talent in these fields. Entertainment and music are crucial offerings in tourist venues, frequently essential to their branding, and MATI states that the current local talent pool is inadequate to fulfill the demand.

More recommendations from MATI contain reorganization operational licensing processes, raising the connection of the resort area in target marketing, and simplifying visa dealings for business visitors. MATI advocate for the Ministry of Tourism to provide as the central hub for supervision all matters connected to the business and suggest that more illustration from MATI in tourism-related institution would be helpful.

MATI highlights the require for an extra sensible approach to employment and equipped policies in the Maldives’ tourism area, ensure its sustained growth and sustainability amidst a quickly rising global landscape.