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Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz retains presidency at MATATO AGM 2025

MATATO AGM 2025: Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz retains presidency

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) reaffirmed its commitment to strong leadership and steady growth as members gathered on 8, January, 2025 at the Manhattan Business Hotel for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024/25. The meeting saw the re-election of Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz as President, reinforcing his leadership for another term and signaling the confidence members place in his ability to steer the association forward. Alongside him, Mr. Mohamed Khaleel and Mr. Mohamed Shaaz (Waleed) were also retained as Vice Presidents, ensuring stability in MATATO’s executive team as they continue building on the association’s successes.

Highlights from MATATO AGM 2025

During the AGM, MATATO presented its 2024 Annual Report. The report was accompanied by a highlight video that showcased the key achievements and milestones of the past year. This served as a reflection of the association’s growth and success.

Another significant moment of the meeting was the presentation by the MATATO Student Chapter’s Interim Steering Committee. Ms. Kausar Abdul Ghany, the Interim President of the Student Chapter, shared their ambitious plans for 2025. This presentation highlighted MATATO’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the Maldives’ travel and tourism sector.

In addition, the event marked the unveiling of MATATO’s revamped logo and website. The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, officially launched the updated website. These updates are a clear indication of MATATO’s focus on innovation, further strengthening its efforts to drive growth and excellence in the Maldives’ tourism industry

Newly Elected Executive Board for 2025/2026

MATATO members also elected a new executive board for the term 2025/2026. The board members include:

  • President: Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz
  • Vice President: Mohamed Khaleel
  • Vice President: Mohamed Shaaz (Waleed)
  • Secretary General: Abdulla Suood
  • Treasurer: Ibrahim Didi
  • Board Member: Ahmed Arshad
  • Board Member: Mohamed Mauroof
  • Board Member: Ignaz Mansoor
  • Board Member: Ibrahim Nizam
  • Board Member: Assad Riza

The re-election of Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas Riyaz and the retention of key figures on MATATO’s leadership team ensure continuity in the association’s mission to innovate and grow the Maldivian tourism industry. With a capable executive board in place, the AGM highlighted MATATO’s strong leadership and its commitment to future growth. As MATATO embraces innovation and faces new challenges, the association is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of tourism in the Maldives.

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JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri La Welcomes Juan Carlos Diago as New General Manager

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La appoints Juan Carlos Diago as General Manager, bringing global expertise and visionary leadership.

JEN Maldives, Malé by Shangri-La has appointed Juan Carlos Diago as its new General Manager, effective March 23, 2025. With over four decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Diago brings an exceptional leadership background to the resort. He has led nine resorts and twelve city hotels across two continents, showcasing his diverse and extensive expertise. Consequently, his wealth of experience will play a vital role in the resort’s continued success.

A Passionate Leader with Proven Expertise

Diago is well-known for his passion, energy, and commitment to excellence. Throughout his career, he has consistently elevated service standards, enhanced guest experiences, and driven financial performance. Notably, he has achieved remarkable success in leadership roles with prestigious hospitality brands such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group, Marriott International, and Universal Music Hotels & Resorts. As a result, his leadership has produced impressive outcomes across various operational areas.

Juan Carlos Diago shared his vision, expressing

“My vision is to see this hotel ranked among the very best—not just within our company, but across the entire city. I firmly believe that with our passionate team and commitment to excellence, we can absolutely achieve this.”

A Diverse Global Experience

With extensive leadership experience in cities such as Bangkok, Manila, Surabaya, Penang, Miami, Cartagena, Cancun, Rio de Janeiro, and Bogotá, Diago has honed his skills in overseeing pre-openings, large-scale renovations, and managing all-inclusive resorts. Furthermore, his multilingual fluency in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and various Asian languages enables him to connect across cultures, adding a valuable global perspective to his strategic approach. In addition, Diago has mastered sales and marketing, revenue management, and digital transformation. He has successfully pioneered the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance operational efficiency. These capabilities make him the ideal leader to guide JEN Maldives into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Before his appointment, Diago served as Senior Hotel Consultant and Development Advisor for Universal Music Hotels & Resorts, where he supported their expansion across South America and the Caribbean. Additionally, his previous roles include General Manager at renowned properties such as Hotel Live Aqua Mexico City, Hotel Estelar Cartagena de Indias, and the iconic Hotel Westin Camino Real in Guatemala. At these properties, he achieved record-breaking guest satisfaction scores and impressive financial results. As a result, his leadership has consistently delivered outstanding outcomes.

In addition to his extensive experience, Diago is pursuing advanced certifications from the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne. He is focusing on Hotel Asset Management and Hotel Development & Real Estate Investment, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. This dedication to personal development reinforces his leadership abilities and vision for the future.

As he steps into his role as General Manager of JEN Maldives, Diago is confident that his dynamic leadership will drive the hotel to new milestones, enhance its brand, and deliver exceptional experiences to guests, colleagues, and stakeholders. With his vision and expertise, JEN Maldives is poised for an exciting future under his leadership. Diago’s leadership will ensure that the resort continues to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry.

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