Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has opened nomination for Maldives Travel Awards Guesthouse Edition 2018.
MATATO said any guesthouse in operation for at least a year can send in completed application forms by May 15 via email or the official website. Nominations will also be accepted from travel agents, travel organisations and registered travel businesses in Maldives, it added.
Nominations are open for 12 categories, including:
- Leading Guesthouse
- Leading Food and Beverage Guesthouse
- Leading Guesthouse / Diving and Water Sports
- Leading Eco-Friendly Guesthouse
- Leading Business Guesthouse
- Leading Heritage Guesthouse
- Leading Adventure Guesthouse
- Most Innovative Guesthouse Concept
- Leading Guesthouse Brand
- Leading Transport Service Provider
- Leading Guesthouse Island
- Leading Beach Island
Additionally, MATATO will award recognitions in three categories, including:
- Leading Business Development Partner for the Guesthouse Industry
- Newcomer of the Year
- Most Supportive Guesthouse
Nominations will close on May 15 following which they would be evaluated and shortlisted to five contenders in each category based on their rating on TripAdvisor, which accounts for 40 percent of the total score.
The shortlisted properties will be put up for popular vote, which accounts for the remaining 60 percent of the final score. Votes can be cast online and via SMS for a period of two months starting June 1, and the winners will be announced at a special gala ceremony in the first week of August.
Introduced last year, the Guesthouse Edition builds on the recognitions awarded to guesthouses by MATATO as part of the Maldives Travel Awards, and celebrates the outstanding performance of the guesthouse sector.
Maldives, known world over for its upmarket tourism industry, has resorts in the hundreds spread across the archipelago. The industry has in recent years expanded to introduce more affordable segments, including guesthouses and liveaboards. Some 600 guesthouses have started operations over the past five years as the number of travellers that choose to stay in guesthouses rise.
Initiated in 2012 by MATATO, Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives, while fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.
Like last year, MATATO will host three editions: the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Grand Gala, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.
MATATO will also combine the grand gala with the travel conference happening a day before, bringing an international audience of industry experts.