Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) has announced plans to host an industry-wide AI Productivity Workshop aimed at strengthening digital skills across the Maldives’ tourism sector.
The one-day workshop is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m., and is being introduced as a pilot capacity-building programme designed for professionals working across tourism-related fields.
According to MATATO, the initiative responds to the growing use of artificial intelligence tools within the tourism industry, while addressing concerns over unsafe or improper usage that could expose sensitive guest or business data. The workshop will focus on helping participants adopt AI tools in a safe, compliant, and responsible manner, while improving efficiency in daily operations.
The programme is expected to cover both foundational and practical aspects of AI use in the workplace. Topics include AI fundamentals, tool navigation, privacy and compliance considerations, risk management, and safe data handling practices, including anonymisation. Participants will also receive hands-on guidance on effective prompting techniques aimed at boosting productivity and decision-making.
MATATO said attendees can expect tangible outcomes from the training, such as reduced administrative workloads, improved professional communication, enhanced decision support for supervisors and managers, and greater confidence in using AI responsibly within organisational settings.
The workshop is open to a broad cross-section of the tourism ecosystem, including travel agents, tour operators, guesthouse operators, boating service providers, resorts, and young professionals, reflecting MATATO’s goal of building sector-wide readiness for emerging technologies.
To encourage participation, MATATO has extended discounted registration rates to members of its strategic partner organisations. These include the National Hotel & Guesthouse Association (NHGAM), National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), International Halal Tourism Organisation (IHTO), and International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
The standard participation fee for the workshop has been set at USD 150, which includes lunch and refreshments. Eligible members of strategic partner organisations will be able to attend at a discounted rate of USD 100.
The event will be supported by several industry partners, with Ace Travels Maldives serving as the official travel partner, Mookai Hotel as the host partner, and Resort Life Travel as a supporting partner.
MATATO said the workshop reflects its broader commitment to future-proofing the Maldivian tourism industry, by equipping professionals with practical skills that align with evolving digital and regulatory landscapes.
