Special Envoy of the President and former President, Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, has called on global leaders to redefine tourism as a transformative force for regeneration, inclusion, and peace.
Delivering remarks at the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Brussels under the theme “Redefining Tourism in a Changing World,” Dr. Waheed emphasized that tourism should move beyond profit margins and arrival statistics to connect people and places and unite humanity.
Reflecting on the Maldives’ experience as a “Large Ocean State,” Dr. Waheed highlighted that local resorts are leading sustainable practices through coral restoration, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction. “Visitors no longer come only for luxury; they come for meaning,” he said.
He further reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to climate resilience, noting President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to cut one-third of emissions from energy generation by 2028 while advancing green infrastructure and ecosystem restoration.
Dr Waheed concluded by urging world leaders, investors, and travellers to make tourism a genuine force for good. “If we act together, tourism can become one of humanity’s greatest forces for regeneration, inclusion, and peace,” he said.
The Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 is being held in Brussels, Belgium, from 20 to 21 October.
Delivering remarks at the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Brussels under the theme “Redefining Tourism in a Changing World,” Dr. Waheed emphasized that tourism should move beyond profit margins and arrival statistics to connect people and places and unite humanity.
Reflecting on the Maldives’ experience as a “Large Ocean State,” Dr. Waheed highlighted that local resorts are leading sustainable practices through coral restoration, renewable energy adoption, and waste reduction. “Visitors no longer come only for luxury; they come for meaning,” he said.
He further reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to climate resilience, noting President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to cut one-third of emissions from energy generation by 2028 while advancing green infrastructure and ecosystem restoration.
Dr Waheed concluded by urging world leaders, investors, and travellers to make tourism a genuine force for good. “If we act together, tourism can become one of humanity’s greatest forces for regeneration, inclusion, and peace,” he said.
The Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 is being held in Brussels, Belgium, from 20 to 21 October.
