The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has successfully conducted its AI Productivity Workshop for the Maldives Tourism Industry, bringing together tourism professionals for a focused one-day programme on the safe, responsible, and productive use of artificial intelligence in workplace settings.

The workshop addressed the growing adoption of AI tools across tourism businesses and the need for structured guidance on compliance, privacy, and operational best practices. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily workflows, the programme aimed to equip industry professionals with practical skills to enhance efficiency while safeguarding guest and business data.

Throughout the day, participants gained hands-on insights into how AI can support communication, administration, coordination, and decision-making across tourism organisations.

Key Focus Areas of the Workshop Included:

• AI Fundamentals & Tool Navigation: Understanding how AI works, selecting safe interfaces, and configuring tools responsibly
• Compliance, Privacy & Risk Management: Identifying unsafe prompts, preventing data leaks, and managing legal and reputational risks
• Safe Data Handling & Anonymisation: Masking confidential information and preventing unintended data exposure
• Prompting for Productivity: Practical prompting techniques and context engineering to improve workflow efficiency

The programme was delivered in an adaptive format to accommodate varying levels of AI literacy among participants, ensuring practical relevance for managers, supervisors, administrative teams, and operational staff.

The workshop was hosted at Mookai Hotel with the support of partners including Ace Travels Maldives, Resort Life Travel and Manhattan Business Hotel. MATATO also acknowledges the engagement of its strategic industry partners including National Hotel and Guesthouse Association of Maldives, National Boating Association of Maldives, International Halal Tourism Organisation, and International Student Identity Card for their continued collaboration and industry representation.

By hosting this initiative, MATATO reinforces its commitment to strengthening professional standards within the Maldives tourism sector and supporting industry stakeholders in adapting confidently to emerging technologies.

As the official Maldives Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), MATATO will continue exploring capacity building initiatives aimed at enhancing innovation, operational resilience, and digital readiness across the industry.