The International Input-Output Association (IIOA)

The International Input-Output Association (IIOA) is a non-profit, scientific organisation founded in 1988. The objective of the IIOA is the advancement of knowledge in the field of Input-Output data compilation and analysis, including improvements in basic data, theoretical insights and modelling, and applications - traditional and novel - of Input-Output techniques. The IIOA delivers its core objectives by supporting young scholars, widening the awareness of the organisation, providing exchange of experience through the global annual IIOA Conference.

Villa College is the first private higher education institution in the Maldives. In 2007, it was founded by Hon. Dr. Qasim Ibrahim, Chairman of the Villa Group, through the Private-Public Partnership Agreement with the government. From just 54 students in four classrooms, the College has expanded significantly becoming the first in the country to offer franchise programmes through partnerships. Open University of Malaysia (OUM) was the first international partner of Villa College, having contributed to creating the brand of Villa College in the community.

In 2015, a new partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) was established, proving to be the most fruitful partnership for the College. Since then, the College has signed collaborations with numerous universities, the most significant recent agreement was signed with Taylor’s University, which will introduce Culinary Arts as a new field of studies offered by Villa College. In the last few years, the variety of programmes Villa College offers has expanded immensely, offering programmes in high-demand areas such as master’s in counselling and programmes in niche areas such as Art and Design. Villa College will continue to strive to meet not only the needs of society but also the interests of the community.

Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) is the lead agency of the Maldives Statistical System (MSS) headed by the Chief Statistician appointed by the President of Maldives. MBS provides official statistics on social, economic, environmental and many other sectors. MBS is located under the broad Umbrella of the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

The Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS) functions are outlined in the Maldives Statistics Act (Act No: 16/2021). As the principal data collection and dissemination agency, the MBS coordinates, monitors, and supervises the Maldives Statistical System. The MBS develops and implements regulations on statistics collection, data security in management and storage, and dissemination standards and guidelines. Additionally, MBS establishes national statistical classifications, coding systems and metadata standards. The MBS ensures standardisation in the collection, analysis, and publication of statistical information to maintain uniformity in quality, adequacy of coverage and reliability of statistical data.

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is the State-owned enterprise mandated to promote the Maldives as a tourist destination worldwide under the brand “Maldives” and slogan “Maldives… The Sunny Side of Life”. Operating as an independent and autonomous body under the governance of a Board of Directors appointed by the President of the Maldives, the MMPRC actively markets the Maldives in key global markets with an integrated 360-degree marketing approach. The MMPRC’s key activities include travel trade shows, roadshows, media/influencer/celebrity/trade familiarisation trips, brand visibility campaigns, digital marketing, global campaigns, travel agent training programs, PR and media programmes, and joint marketing campaigns with stakeholders/service providers. The MMPRC also has appointed PR and trade representation across 15 key global markets.

Under MMPRC’s purview, the Maldives has gained immense recognition, accolades and awards in the international tourism arena. The highlight of our achievements includes securing the most prestigious tourism industry title in the world for five consecutive years: the World’s Leading Destination of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 at the World Travel Awards. In addition, Maldives was honoured as the World’s Leading Green Destination 2024, marking the first year winning this prestigious title.