Minister at the President’s Office, Ahmed “Kerafa” Naseem has received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in tourism, at the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2019.

The gala event took place on Thursday night at Crossroads Maldives and honored several experienced and skilled figures in the industry.

Naseem was a pioneer in the establishment of the industry, having introduced the first tourist and travel agent to the Maldives during 1971.

Other awards conferred during the gala event include Leading Private Island which was won by Naladhoo Private Limited, Leading Luxury Resort, won by Cheval Blanc, Leading Family Resort which went to One & Only Reethirah, Leading Designer Resort which was taken by Cocoon Maldives and Kandimaa Maldives.

Further, while Kurumba Maldives took home the title of Leading Meeting and Conference Resort, Conrad Maldives won Leading F&B Resort.

Sri Lankan Airlines won the Leading International Carrier this year and Maldivian won the Leading Local Carrier.

Other awards include Leading Low-Cost Carrier which was won by Air Asia, Leading Airport Hotel won by Airport Beach Hotel, Leading CSR Program won by Crown and Champa, Leading Local Hotel Brand won by Villa Hotels, Leading Eco Resort won by Six Senses Laamu as well as Leading HR Management won by Velaa Private Island.

This year’s MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2019 saw over 200 participants, with MATATO revealing its aim to increase the number of tourist arrivals in the coming year.

Introduced in 2012, the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2019 has been honoring and encouraging travel industry professionals and presents three editions of the award which include the Gala Edition, People's edition and the Guest House Edition.