The 8th Asian Council Forum was held in the stunning Baa Atoll, where the ethos that “it’s always better in Baa” resonated throughout the gathering. The forum commenced with a culturally rich fellowship dinner, showcasing the renowned Maldivian hospitality, and set the stage for meaningful dialogue on the pressing challenges faced by the tourism sector.

Attendees united to discuss, learn, and collaborate on solutions that ensured tourism benefited local communities while safeguarding the environment for future generations. Participants engaged in a series of presentations and discussions, focusing on sustainable development and effective governance—crucial elements for thriving local tourism.

The day’s agenda included significant international presentations from member nations of the Asian Council Forum. Notably, esteemed councilors from Taipei City Council, Taiwan, provided insights on “Sustainable Tourism in Taiwan: Green Tour and Live Music.” This was followed by a compelling presentation from Mr. Yoshiyuki Kuriyama of Japan, emphasizing the importance of reducing environmental impacts in tourism.

The forum also featured a session on Local Governance Challenges in the Tourism Industry, led by representatives from Baa Atoll and the Maldives Local Councils Association (MLCA). This session underscored the shared interests among nations in fostering sustainable tourism practices.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion on Sustainable Tourism and Local Governance, expertly moderated by Mr. Abdullah Shuja, President of B. Maalhos Council. Esteemed panelists, including local and international leaders, engaged in a rich exchange of ideas, emphasizing the collective effort needed to address the challenges faced by the tourism industry.

The event commemorated the formal joining of the Maldives Local Councils Association (MLCA) to the Asian Council Forum (ACF), further strengthening collaborative efforts towards sustainable governance in tourism. As the forum drew to a close, heartfelt gratitude was extended to all speakers and participants for their invaluable contributions. It was hoped that everyone left inspired and equipped to drive action in their respective communities.