Speaking at the celebratory function held following the launching of The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives this evening, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom highlighted the main goals set for tourism development, for this government’s 5 year term; namely, developing 50 new resort properties, introducing vertical tourism, positioning Maldives as a vacation home, developing live-aboard marina infrastructure, developing medical tourism with world class facilities, and introducing educational tourism.
In his speech, the President underscored that tourism was the hub of the nation’s economic development. He also noted the remarkable milestones achieved in the short period since this government’s assumption of power.
The President applauded all hoteliers, travel agents, tourism industry staff and administrators, on their meritorious services. He also congratulated Chairman of The Sun Siyam, Hon. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, on the new addition to the luxury hotel repertoire of the Maldives.
In his address, President Yameen announced that, by the end of the year, a number of resorts would be floating a portion of their shares to the public, and urged Maldivian employees to become stakeholders of these properties. He noted that it would be a lucrative addition to their current income from salary and other perks through employment at these resorts. On this note, the President announced with appreciation that The Sun Siyam would be floating up to 40 percent of the Group's shares to their employees in the coming years.
Hon. Siyam and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor also spoke at the function. Hon. Siyam later presented President Yameen and Minister Adeeb with commemorative plaques during the function, which was followed by an entertainment programme headlined by international artist Nicole Scherzinger.
