News Desk
Ibrahim Shiuree has resigned as Managing Director of Visit Maldives, marking the second abrupt exit from the top post at the state tourism promotion body under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
Shiuree, who stepped into the role on 13 June 2024, met with staff at the staff on Monday to deliver the news before submitting his formal resignation. The government has offered no official reason for his departure, nor has it named a successor.
His resignation comes less than a year after his predecessor, Fathimath Thaufeeq, was removed from the position.
The leadership shake-up arrives at a critical juncture for the country’s main economic engine. The government is currently preparing to launch “Visit Maldives Year 2027,” a nationwide campaign aimed at solidifying long-term growth and boosting the nation’s international profile.
The initiative sets ambitious benchmarks. Having welcomed 2,246,516 tourists last year — a 9.8 percent increase — the government is targeting 2.5 million arrivals in 2026. Tourism receipts reached USD 5.55 billion (MVR 85.5 billion) last year, up 13.8 percent, with the Maldives Monetary Authority projecting revenue to touch USD 5.6 billion (MVR 86.3 billion) this year.
President Muizzu has urged the sector to build on last year’s record numbers with renewed confidence, framing tourism as the country’s vital backbone while pushing for expanded local experiences, deeper community involvement, and stronger environmental safeguards.
A major cornerstone of the 2027 push was secured during ITB Berlin 2026, where Shiuree signed an agreement alongside Dr Mario Tobias, Chief Executive Officer of Messe Berlin, naming the Maldives as the official host country for ITB Berlin 2027. Under that deal, the Maldives is slated to host the opening gala on 15 March 2027 and lead promotional events throughout the trade show.
Before his tenure at Visit Maldives, Shiuree served as Vice President of the Tourism Travel Association of Maldives and worked on World Bank youth employability projects. He also managed domestic airport infrastructure developments across several islands, including Fuvahmulah, Dharavandhoo, and Kulhudhuffushi.
