Honourable Ministers, President of Hilton International, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Mr. Koos Klein, Distinguished Directors of Crown Company, Ladies and Gentlemen:
My wife and I are happy to be here this evening at Rangali in these most pleasant surroundings of Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa. I must compliment the owners of the hotel, as well as the management and staff of this twin island enterprise on the high class of the facilities and services that they have developed.
May I thank Crown Company and Hilton for presenting me the beautiful commemorative plaque that I received a few moments ago.
Hilton Maldives holds a distinguished position in our tourist industry. It enjoys the distinction of being the first international five-star hotel in the Maldives. Hilton’s arrival has ushered in a new dawn in our tourism. The art of doing nothing, which has always been a serious business, has now become even more attractive. In the wake of Hilton, other world famous chains have followed.
The breakthrough was achieved by a prominent local firm, Crown Company, led by the experienced and dynamic Mr. Hussain Afeef. He and his associates, Ahmed Saleem, Abdul Ghani and Ahmed Nazeer, are not only well-known professionals, but highly successful businessmen. Hilton Maldives may very well be described as the crown of their efforts, but I am sure that it would not be the only one.
I would also like to congratulate the management of Hilton Maldives for the success of their venture. I am sure that the leadership provided by the President of Hilton International, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Mr. Koos Klein, plays a vital role in the effective operation of the resort. We are indeed very happy that such a well-known hotel chain as Hilton has a presence in the Maldives.
Rangali typifies the current trend in the hospitality field in the Maldives, where the focus is on up-market services. The emphasis is on presenting our natural assets together with the highest standards of service.
Indeed, where dreams become real, and creativity is given free rein, who dares wins.
The sector is also making an important input to national economic and social progress. It is a major pillar of the economy, providing a livelihood to thousands of people.
Honourable Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Tourism is one of the fastest growing occupations worldwide. In the Maldives, after a sharp drop in the number of arrivals in 2001 since September 11, I am happy to note that the industry has recovered during the second half of last year, to register an eventual increase of 5.1 percent over 2001.
But, we must not be complacent about the future. A determined effort must be made to ensure that the dynamism of the travel trade is constantly reinforced, that existing markets are further consolidated, and that new doors are always opened. Continued innovation and improvement must remain the hallmarks of our ventures.
The international five-star facilities in the Maldives are leading the way in raising the quality of our hospitality services. They bring us face to face with the best aspects of globalisation, and enable us to acquire a popular niche in the global market.
Indeed, the performance of Hilton Maldives has been impressive, providing to its visitors an unforgettable experience. My wife’s and mine is. And it is one that we will cherish.
We wish Hilton Maldives further success and growth in the coming years.
Thank you.