Maldives’ first international yacht rally launched

‘Savaadheetha Dhathuru’, Maldives’ first international yacht rally, organized by Maldives Intergrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) has been launched today.

The international yacht rally is scheduled to be held on February 2022 on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the Maldivian tourism sector. Savaadheetha Dhathuru launched in a special ceremony held earlier today, by special guest Managing Director of Voyages Maldives and Seagull Group Salah Shihab.

The ceremony was also graced by Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail and Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation’s Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed.

Speaking at the ceremony, MITDC’s Managing Director Mohamed Raaidh had noted that this the first time an international yacht rally is being held in the Maldives – whereas the idea had initially struck while listening to a speech given by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih back in 2019 – on the occasion held to mark the 100^th anniversary of Mulee’aage.

Raidh noted that in President’s speech he has stated one main reason why tourists travel from one place to another is in order to experience and learn the heritage, culture and lifestyle of other people. Subsequently, MITDC has commenced efforts to introduce heritage tourism in the Maldives.

“The efforts were to find a way to introduce heritage tourism in the Maldives – in a way it includes the heritage sites across the nation and the culture of Maldives. It was through this the idea of a sail tourism segment had come about,” he had said.

Speaking further Raidh noted that 15 islands from five atolls will be visited in the yacht rally. Out of this, four islands are uninhabited. He also added that the residents in the remaining islands which is included in the rally have been informed of it – noting that these islands would see economic developments subsequently.

Raidh also explained that the yacht rally has been named ‘Savaadheetha Dhathuru’ based on the honor presented to Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu after he had driven out the Portuguese who ruled over the Maldives from 1558-1573. The rally’s theme in this regard is the life of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu.