MU Maniku says Maldivians key to tourism progress

Universal Chairman Mohamed Umar Maniku, one of the pioneers of the Maldives tourism industry, said on Tuesday that it is important to bring Maldivians to the tourism sector.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the fourth batch of the Universal Foundation and Villa College Discover Hospitality programme and the presentation of certificates to the fifth batch of participants at the Manhattan Business Hotel on Tuesday, Maniku said that the hospitality course was a very rich one.

He said this is an important programme carried out by two experienced parties and this is an important step for the development of the industry.

"My hope is to get as many young people as possible to participate in this program and make [hospitality] a career. Tourism is the backbone of this country. So there are many career opportunities," he said.

Noting that the industry is growing and more job opportunities are being created, Maniku said trained people are essential to run a quality tourism industry.

“You can't depend on people from outside forever,” he said.

Maniku said the facilities available at the resorts are now very good and that tourism has bright future.