The Future Summit 2025 concluded yesterday at Kurumba Maldives, convening government officials, tourism leaders, and industry changemakers to chart a new direction for Maldivian tourism. Held under the theme “Maldives Tourism: The Next Leap Forward,” the summit focused on balancing growth with sustainability while strengthening local talent and cultural identity in the face of growing global competition.
The summit opened with an address by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, who urged closer industry collaboration and data-driven strategies to sustain the Maldives’ global reputation. He also stressed the importance of investing in local talent and broadening the country’s cultural offerings.
Keynote speaker Dr. Naushad Mohamed, known for his work in education and innovation, delivered a speech on how the Maldives can maintain its competitive edge by leveraging its distinct cultural and environmental assets. He emphasised differentiation in a saturated market as a long-term strategy.
The summit featured three panel discussions, each addressing major tourism challenges. The first, “From Boom to Balance,” explored how the country can sustain growth without compromising its unique appeal. Moderated by Amjad Thaufeeg, the session included panellists Shaahina Ali, Nurain Janah, and Athif Shakoor.
The second panel, “Keeping Maldives a Dream Destination Beyond 2050,” looked ahead to long-term brand sustainability. Hosted by Rifaa Ath Saeed, the discussion included insights from Rajesh Mehta, Mohamed Ushau, and Ahmed Fahudh.
The final panel, “Future-Proofing Tourism,” focused on workforce development and talent retention. Hosted by Aminath Rushma, the discussion featured Aalim Mohamed, Ali Shamin, and Mauroof Mohamed, who explored how to adapt the human capital strategy to match the industry’s evolving needs.
Attendees also engaged informally in conversations and networking sessions against the backdrop of Kurumba’s iconic lagoon, reinforcing the summit’s goal of turning conversation into action.
Organised by Destination Future, a Maldivian NGO focused on tourism and sustainability innovation, the summit closed with the announcement that Future Summit 2026 will return to Kurumba Maldives on 26 June 2026. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to driving strategic dialogue and partnerships for the industry’s long-term benefit.
