What Matato does

MATATO (Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators) is a non-profit trade association founded in 2006 and headquartered in Male', Maldives, operating as the apex industry body for Maldivian travel agents and tour operators. It is registered as a Charitable Organisation with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) and holds official PATA Maldives Chapter status, with publications and events endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism and MMPRC. Its core deliverables span a portfolio of trade platforms: the Maldives Travel Awards (running since 2012, with a 20th anniversary edition planned for 2026), the Maldives Travel Conference (including a Women's Edition), the MATATO Talks television programme produced with ICE Network, the Frame by MATATO art initiative, and the Maldives Finder B2B magazine. It also runs international roadshows such as the Welcome India Roadshow 2026 and a United States market familiarization trip conducted with MMPRC and the Maldives Mission in New York in February 2025.

The association operates a three-tier membership structure — General Members (MVR 7,000 per year), Associate Members (MVR 5,000 per year), and Special/SME Members (USD 195 per year) — alongside a Student Chapter. Revenue mechanics combine these membership dues, advertising income from Maldives Finder, event sponsorships for Awards, Conference, and roadshows, and tax-deductible charitable donations enabled by its MIRA-registered charitable status. Its go-to-market leverages longstanding exclusive partnerships, including the RX Global/WTM London arrangement (since 2016) and a Villa College MOU for financial literacy training (October 2024), to give members privileged access to international travel trade buyers and skills development. Operational governance is led by an elected Executive Board, with a new board sworn in on 8 January 2025 alongside a rebranded logo and website refresh.

Name

Matato

Legal name

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators

Website

https://www.matato.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Short description

MATATO is a non-profit trade association founded in 2006 that represents Maldivian travel agents and tour operators through a tiered membership structure, industry awards, conferences, the MATATO Talks TV show, Maldives Finder magazine, and international roadshows.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Male

HQ country

Maldives

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. General Membership Fees: Travel agencies and tour operators pay MVR 7,000.00 per year for General Membership, receiving full access to member privileges, voting rights, and eligibility to stand for the Executive Board.
2. Associate Membership Fees: Hotels, resorts, airlines, and tourism-related suppliers pay MVR 5,000.00 per year for Associate Membership, with access to member privileges but no voting rights or board eligibility.
3. Special/SME Membership Fees: Foreign associations, international tour operators, and SMEs (start-up travel agencies, boutique hotels, guesthouses) pay USD 195.00 per year for Special Membership.
4. Maldives Finder Advertising: Maldives Finder publication generates revenue through advertising placements including back cover, inside cover, double page spreads, full/half/quarter page ads, advertorial features, directory listings, and digital/online visibility packages sold to resorts, hotels, airlines, and tourism brands.
5. Maldives Travel Awards Sponsorships: The annual MATATO Maldives Travel Awards generates sponsorship revenue through tiered partnerships (Title Sponsor, Platinum Partner, Venue Partner, Training Partner, Airlines Partner, Finance/Banking Partner, Associate Sponsor, Insurance Partner, Logistics Partner, Event Management Partner). The 2026 edition is co-hosted with IBTF and AME platform.
6. Event Participation Fees: MATATO coordinates participation in international events (WTM, Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum, Saudi Travel Market) and domestic roadshows (Welcome India), facilitating registrations for members with preferential rates and collecting coordination fees.
7. Donations / Charitable Contributions: MATATO is registered with MIRA as a Charitable Organisation; donations are tax-deductible up to 5% of taxable income per MIRA regulations, providing a channel for charitable contributions to support the association's mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

MATATO is a non-profit trade association representing Maldivian travel agents and tour operators. It provides industry advocacy, hosts events (Maldives Travel Awards, Maldives Travel Conference, MATATO Talks TV show), publishes the Maldives Finder magazine in print and digital formats, operates the MaldivesFinder.travel news portal, coordinates participation in international trade exhibitions, and runs destination marketing initiatives like the Welcome India Roadshow and Frame by MATATO art initiative.

Product overview

MATATO operates as a unified platform-plus-programs association for Maldives tourism, offering its flagship publication Maldives Finder (print and digital travel magazine), the annual Maldives Travel Awards ceremony, Maldives Travel Conference, MATATO Talks TV show, Frame by MATATO art competition, Welcome India Roadshow, PATA Maldives Chapter representation, and the MATATO Student Chapter. These products collectively serve industry advocacy, destination marketing, professional development, and stakeholder engagement for the Maldivian travel trade.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Maldives Travel Awards: The nation's most established platform for recognising excellence in tourism, celebrating leadership, innovation, service excellence, and partnership across the Maldivian tourism ecosystem.
• Maldives Finder
• MATATO Talks
• Frame by MATATO
• Maldives Travel Conference
• Welcome India Roadshow
• MATATO Student Chapter
• International Beach Tourism Forum (IBTF)
• Amazing Maldives Experiences (AME)

Products and services

• MATATO Maldives Travel Awards Annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence across the Maldivian tourism ecosystem. The 20th Anniversary Edition is scheduled for July 17, 2026, co-hosted with IBTF and AME platform.
• Maldives Finder Publication Official travel and tourism publication of MATATO, published in print and digital formats in multiple international languages. Showcases resorts, hotels, guesthouses, travel agents, airlines, tourism services, and destination experiences. Distributed globally through exhibitions, trade missions, conferences, resorts, hotels, airports, and government institutions.
• MATATO Talks TV Show Monthly TV talk show series produced in partnership with ICE Network, featuring industry experts discussing trending and pressing matters in the tourism sector.
• Welcome India Roadshow Marketing roadshow initiative promoting Maldives tourism in Indian markets, conducted biennially. The 2026 edition covers Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.
• MATATO Membership Program (General, Associate, Special/SME tiers) Three-tier membership subscription program: General Members (licensed travel agencies and tour operators) at MVR 7,000/year with full voting rights; Associate Members (hotels, resorts, airlines, suppliers) at MVR 5,000/year without voting rights; Special Members/SMEs (foreign associations, international operators, start-ups, boutique hotels, guesthouses) at USD 195/year.
• MaldivesFinder.travel News Portal Official Maldives travel and tourism news and updates website operated by MATATO, providing industry news, press releases, articles on Maldivian culture and cuisine, destination features, and MATATO updates.

Named customers21 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Ministry of Tourism (Maldives)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Ministry of Tourism is the endorsing body for MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2026 (20th Anniversary Edition) and multiple MATATO initiatives including Maldives Travel Conference and Frame by MATATO. The Ministry works closely with MATATO on tourism policy, development, and international positioning of the Maldives.
• MMPRC / Visit MaldivesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026MMPRC is the endorsing body for MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2026 and a key strategic partner for destination marketing. MMPRC and MATATO collaborate on international roadshows, familiarization trips, and global marketing campaigns to position Maldives as a world-class destination.
• Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025MATATO collaborated with Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), NHGAM, and NBAM to announce the 'Welcome India' Roadshow 2026 (23-27 March 2026, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur), targeting 300,000 Indian visitors. VMC serves as the Official Destination Partner, with MATATO coordinating Maldivian industry participation.
• NBAM (National Boating Association of Maldives)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025NBAM collaborated with MATATO, Visit Maldives Corporation, and NHGAM as co-organizer of the Welcome India Roadshow 2026, representing liveaboard and marine tourism operators in the Maldivian tourism ecosystem.
• MMPRC (Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2025MATATO and MMPRC collaborated with the Maldives Mission in New York to organize a US market familiarization trip, bringing travel advisors from Intele Travel (largest US travel host agency) to experience Maldives properties including Stone Hotels K. Dhiffushi, Villa Resorts, and Diamonds Athuruga Resort and Spa. Joint initiative to strengthen Maldives' presence in the competitive US travel market (top 10 source market for Maldives).
• Maldives Mission in New YorkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2025The Maldives Mission in New York collaborated with MATATO and MMPRC to organize a US market familiarization trip, facilitating high-level engagement between Maldivian tourism stakeholders and American travel advisors. Part of ongoing efforts to deepen Maldives' positioning in the US market.
• Turkish AirlinesminorOthers · 10 February 2025Turkish Airlines served as the official airline sponsor for the US market familiarization trip organized by MATATO, MMPRC, and Maldives Mission in NY, providing high standards of comfort and convenience for the delegation's travel to the Maldives.
• Intele TravelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2025Intele Travel, the largest and most established travel host agency in the United States, participated in the MATATO/MMPRC/US Mission NY familiarization trip. Their travel advisors experienced Maldives properties firsthand, with an exclusive networking event in Male' facilitating direct connections between US advisors and Maldivian tourism stakeholders.
• Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA)minorOthers · 10 February 2025Trans Maldivian Airways extended logistical support for the US market fam trip organized by MATATO, MMPRC, and Maldives Mission in NY, managing domestic group transfers within the Maldives.
• Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)minorOthers · 10 February 2025MACL extended logistical support for the US market fam trip organized by MATATO, MMPRC, and Maldives Mission in NY, facilitating airport operations support for the delegation.
• NHGAM (National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 January 2025NHGAM endorsed the Maldives Travel Conference 2025 Women's Edition and is a key industry partner for MATATO in advocacy and joint initiatives. MATATO and NHGAM also issued a joint press release (May 2026) expressing deep concern over tourism decline with losses exceeding USD 500 million since March 2026.
• BCC (Bank of Ceylon Maldives)minorOthers · 25 January 2025BCC provided free Financial Literacy training at the Maldives Travel Conference 2025 Women's Edition in Addu, organized by MATATO at Equator Village.
• MIB (Maldives Islamic Bank)minorOthers · 25 January 2025MIB served as the main sponsor of the Maldives Travel Conference 2025 Women's Edition (second consecutive year), demonstrating commitment to women's empowerment in tourism and financial inclusion.
• Addu City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 January 2025Addu City Council endorsed the Maldives Travel Conference 2025 Women's Edition in Addu, demonstrating local government support for tourism development and women's empowerment initiatives beyond Male'.
• Various Women's AssociationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 January 2025Nine women's associations endorsed the Maldives Travel Conference 2025 Women's Edition: Addu Women's Association, Veshisaafu, WDC Addu City, Southern Community Empowerment Association of Maldives, Women in Management Maldives, Women on Board, Women Entrepreneurs Association Maldives, Association of Lady Entrepreneurs, and Ministry of Social and Family Development.
• Maldivian (Airline)minorOthers · 25 January 2025Maldivian served as the official Airline Partner for the Maldives Travel Conference 2025 Women's Edition in Addu, facilitating travel for conference participants.
• Maldivian Artist Community (MAC)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 December 2024MATATO collaborated with Maldivian Artist Community and Art Gallery Male' to launch Frame by MATATO, an inaugural art competition and exhibition celebrating Maldivian creativity and culture. MAC serves as an endorsing partner for the initiative, which showcased Maldivian folklore through art at Art Gallery Male' (February 2025).
• Art Gallery Male'coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2024Art Gallery Male' served as the venue partner for the inaugural Frame by MATATO exhibition (17-20 February 2025), showcasing Maldivian folklore through art. The exhibition featured winners across four age categories selected through public voting.
• Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Art (Maldives)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2024One of eight endorsing institutions for Frame by MATATO 2025 (The Maldivian Mystic), supporting the initiative to celebrate Maldivian creativity and promote the nation's culture through tourism.
• Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and HeritagecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2024Endorsing institution for Frame by MATATO 2025, supporting the cultural preservation and promotion objectives of the art initiative.
• National Centre for the Arts (NCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2024NCA endorsed Frame by MATATO 2025 and serves as a key government partner for arts and cultural initiatives in the Maldives tourism sector.
• MATI (Maldives Association of Tourism Industry)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2024MATI, representing resort operators, endorsed Frame by MATATO 2025 as part of broader industry collaboration between resort and travel trade sectors.
• Villa CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 October 2024MATATO and Villa College signed an MOU to formalize collaboration on academic and professional opportunities, providing MATATO members with access to specialized courses and educational programs with exclusive member discounts. Key focus on human capital development and tourism-aligned curriculum. MOU also outlines establishing a MATATO Student Chapter at Villa International School to engage future tourism professionals.
• RX Global (WTM Organisers)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 September 2024MATATO officially partnered with RX Global, organizers of World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, positioning MATATO as the only travel and tourism association in the Maldives to secure such a collaboration. The partnership dates back to 2016 and allows MATATO to represent the Maldives at WTM London, one of the world's largest travel expos with 5,000+ exhibitors and 51,000+ visitors.
• ICE NetworkcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 September 2024MATATO partnered with ICE Network to produce the 'MATATO Talks' TV show, launched 3 October 2024 in celebration of Maldives National Tourism Day. The monthly talk show covers different tourism industry segments with two expert guests per episode, airing for 12 months. Sponsorship opportunities are coordinated through ICE Network.
• PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016MATATO is the officially recognized PATA Maldives Chapter, representing the Maldives in the Pacific Asia Travel Association, the 3rd largest travel association globally. This affiliation connects MATATO members to global PATA networks and ensures representation at major international tourism bodies and events.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Destinations International: Destinations International is the global trade association for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) — closely analogous to MATATO's role representing Maldivian tourism stakeholders and partnering with MMPRC/Visit Maldives Corporation on destination marketing initiatives like the Welcome India Roadshow.
• ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors): ASTA is the largest US national trade association representing travel advisors and agencies — a direct functional peer to MATATO, operating the same membership-based model to advocate for travel agents, deliver education, and host industry events (CruiseWorld, ASTA Global Convention).
• ECTAA (European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association): ECTAA represents European travel agents and tour operators at the EU institutional level — a continental analog to MATATO's national advocacy role, with comparable focus on policy influence, industry standards, and trade exhibitions.
• IATA (International Air Transport Association): IATA is the global trade association for airlines, many of which are MATATO Associate Members and sponsors. While airline-focused, IATA's member-driven model, international events, and policy advocacy framework closely parallels MATATO's structure and would be a comparator for an industry-association analysis.
• ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents): ABTA is the UK trade association for travel agents and tour operators and is the closest international analog to MATATO — comparable membership tiers, advocacy role with government/regulators, branded Travel Convention, and Code of Conduct that mirrors MATATO's professional standards approach.
• CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association): CLIA is the global trade association representing the cruise industry, with national chapters and a member-driven structure — directly comparable to MATATO in operating regional chapters, running an annual awards program (CLIA Awards), and serving as the unified voice for cruise travel agents and operators.

Emerging players

• SITE (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives): SITE is an international trade association focused on the incentive travel segment — comparable in member-driven advocacy, international conferences, and chapter structure, but narrowly focused on incentives rather than the broader travel-agent representation MATATO covers.

Others

• UNWTO (World Tourism Organization): UNWTO is the United Nations specialized agency for tourism — an institutional peer at the global policy level, interacting with national travel trade associations like MATATO through PATA and providing the multilateral framework within which MATATO's advocacy operates.

Broad incumbents

• WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council): WTTC is the global industry council representing the broader travel and tourism sector — comparable to MATATO in its advocacy-and-events model but operating at a much larger scale with CEO-level members and Global Summit events; it intersects with MATATO through the Maldives' membership and shared policy advocacy.
• PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association): PATA is the parent regional trade body of which MATATO is the official Maldives Chapter. While MATATO is a chapter member, PATA's broader Asia-Pacific scope and broader event programming (PATAsummit, PATA Travel Mart) make it the structural incumbent MATATO aligns with — and the 3rd largest travel association globally per MATATO's own positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MATATOMaldives

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Matato