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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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A Festive Season of Art with Elvira Carrasco at Lily Beach Resort

Elvira Carrasco Lily Beach Resort Maldives

This festive season, Lily Beach Resort & Spa invited guests into an unforgettable artistic experience. World-renowned artist Elvira Carrasco brought her unique creative brilliance to the Maldives. Her time at the resort quickly became the highlight of the season, blending art, elegance, and the breathtaking beauty of the island into a memorable celebration.

Laurent Driole, General Manager of Lily Beach Resort & Spa, spoke about the resort’s commitment to offering more than just a luxurious escape, highlighting the profound impact that art can have on guests:

“Art, often regarded as the preserve of the informed and discerning, holds a remarkable capacity to transcend such confines when approached with vision and sensitivity. While a deeper understanding can undoubtedly enrich its appreciation, the true essence of art lies in its ability to provoke emotion and create singular, transformative experiences. At Lily Beach, this is the very quality we strive to weave into the fabric of our five- star philosophy —moments that touch the soul and etch themselves into memory”.

A Journey Through Creativity and Self-Expression

The celebrations kicked off on 25 December 2024 with a special beachside cocktail event, where Elvira Carrasco unveiled her exclusive art exhibition. As the sun set and the waves gently lapped at the shore, the atmosphere became even more magical. Guests were drawn into Elvira’s world of art, while the stunning resort surroundings made the experience feel like a dream.

The festive spirit continued even on the 26th of December 2024, with a two-hour painting masterclass under the starry skies. Premium Spanish wine flowed, perfectly complementing the evening. Guests enjoyed painting while basking in the serene surroundings of Lily Beach. It was a beautiful fusion of creativity and relaxation, inviting everyone to express themselves in an environment of pure bliss.

The excitement reached new heights on 28 December 2024 when Elvira performed a live face-painting demonstration. The audience watched in awe as she painted her face in real-time, creating a captivating visual masterpiece. This unique experience left a lasting impression on all who were present, marking yet another unforgettable moment during the celebrations.

Laurent Driole also reflected on the impact Elvira’s work had on the celebration:


“Elvira Carrasco’s artistry epitomised this ethos. Through her masterful interplay of colour, graphic design, and poetic photographic compositions, she crafted more than just aesthetic experiences; she invited our guests into a realm of creativity and self-expression. The unforgettable image of Elvira painting her face, alone on a pristine sandbank suspended amidst the Indian Ocean’s kaleidoscope of turquoise hues, encapsulated this spirit. It was a scene of sublime generosity and inspiration- a moment that transcended words and resonated deeply with all who beheld it. This collaboration was not merely an artistic interlude but an enduring gift, one that will continue to inspire and be cherished by our guests for years to come.”

Elvira’s exhibition transformed into a more interactive celebration of creativity 30 December 2024. Guests engaged with her work in ways they hadn’t before, fully immersing themselves in the colors and stories behind each piece. The event became a journey through Elvira’s artistic vision. She shared the inspirations behind her creations, making the evening feel deeply personal. Her warmth and sense of humor filled the air, ensuring that every guest left with a smile and a story to tell.

The grand finale of the festivities took place on 1 January 2025. Guests eagerly selected personalized art pieces to take home as keepsakes. Each bespoke creation was more than just a work of art; it was a tangible memory of an unforgettable experience at Lily Beach. These pieces captured the magic of the season and the personal connection forged with the artist.

The celebrations continued until 5 January 2025, leaving guests filled with joy and looking forward to what the new year would bring. For many, Lily Beach has become more than just a vacation destination. It’s a place to return to, year after year, to create lasting memories with loved ones. As the Maldives first All-Inclusive premium resort, Lily Beach continues to redefine luxury. The exceptional experiences offered here linger long after the festivities have ended, making it a destination like no other.

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