Hussain Afeef has been appointed Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) at the association’s 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 15 February 2026 at Kurumba Maldives.

The AGM was attended by 112 members and key stakeholders from across the tourism industry. The meeting elected MATI’s Executive Board for the 2026–2029 term, approved the association’s 2026 budget and confirmed Faris & Co LLP as auditors for the year.

The chairmanship became vacant following the passing of former MATI Chairperson Mohamed Umar Manik, a pioneer of the Maldivian tourism industry, who passed away in last year while undergoing treatment in Singapore. Afeef, a long-serving figure in the tourism sector, previously served as MATI’s Vice-Chairman.

Addressing members, Afeef highlighted MATI’s role in the development of the Maldivian tourism industry and said the association would continue to strengthen its engagement with stakeholders to support sustainable growth of the sector.

The AGM also paid tribute to the late Mohamed Umar Manik, who was posthumously conferred the title of MATI’s first ‘Member of Honour’ in recognition of his contributions to the development of tourism in the Maldives. Members were presented with MATI’s 2025 annual report and financial statements, which were approved along with the minutes of the 35th AGM. A video presentation highlighted the association’s key advocacy initiatives and activities carried out in 2025.

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment delivered a presentation outlining its regulatory agenda and work plan for 2026. The latter part of the programme included an open discussion session among members on key industry matters. The AGM also welcomed new MATI members who joined the association since the previous AGM.

Concluding the meeting, MATI Secretary-General Asad Ali underscored the importance of collaboration, regulatory stability and supportive policy frameworks to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the Maldivian tourism industry.

Kurumba Maldives, which hosted the AGM, holds historical significance as the first resort to open in the Maldives. The property was redeveloped by Mohamed Umar Manik in 1986 as Kurumba Village and later transformed into the country’s first five-star resort. MATI represents more than 120 resorts and is the main industry association for the tourism sector in the Maldives.