An initiative launched in celebration of World Tourism Day and National Tourism Day 2026 aims to create meaningful career opportunities for Maldivian women in the liveaboard tourism industry.
As the Maldives celebrated World Tourism Day on 27 September and National Tourism Day on 3 October 2026, Maldives Legend marked the occasion with an initiative focused on creating greater opportunities for Maldivian women within the country’s liveaboard tourism sector.
Launched in early October, the initiative reflects Maldives Legend’s belief that the continued growth of Maldivian tourism should also create meaningful opportunities for local talent to participate in and help shape the industry’s future.
As a locally operated Maldivian liveaboard brand under Maldives Holiday Collections, Maldives Legend has always taken pride in showcasing the country’s extraordinary marine environment, natural beauty and authentic hospitality.
Through this initiative, the company hopes to extend that commitment beyond guest experiences, opening new pathways for Maldivian women to build rewarding careers at sea.
Maldivian women have long contributed to the development of the country’s tourism industry. However, their representation in onboard operational roles within the liveaboard sector remains relatively limited.
Recognising this opportunity for greater inclusion, Maldives Legend introduced an initiative designed to encourage more Maldivian women to explore careers in liveaboard operations.
The initiative is centred around Maldives Legend Y, the company’s newest vessel, which is being prepared to join the fleet.
With plans for a partly female crew, Maldives Legend Y is intended to provide a platform for employment, practical training, professional development and long-term career growth.
The initiative is not simply about increasing representation onboard. It is about encouraging women to explore professional opportunities in an industry where their skills, perspectives and contributions can help shape the future of Maldivian marine tourism.
As part of the initiative, Maldives Legend invited applications from Maldivian women for three onboard positions aboard Maldives Legend Y:
These opportunities reflect the diversity of careers available within the liveaboard industry, from underwater experiences to guest services and hospitality.
The recruitment campaign launched in early October, alongside efforts to encourage greater awareness of the professional opportunities available to Maldivian women at sea.
Through hands-on experience, training and opportunities to develop their skills, Maldives Legend aims to help women pursue lasting career pathways within the sector.
For Maldives Legend, the initiative carries a message that goes beyond recruitment.
It reflects a belief that tourism development should create opportunities not only for visitors to experience the Maldives, but also for Maldivians to participate more actively in the industry’s growth and leadership.
Speaking about the initiative, Shaushaan Shafeeq, Managing Director of Maldives Holiday Collections, shared:
“The future of Maldivian tourism should create opportunities for everyone. As we celebrate World Tourism Day and National Tourism Day, we want to look beyond celebrating what Maldivian tourism has already achieved and focus on who will shape its next chapter. Through Maldives Legend Y, we hope to open new doors for Maldivian women to become part of the liveaboard industry – not simply as participants, but as trained professionals with opportunities to learn, grow and build long-term careers.”
This vision reinforces the importance of creating pathways for local talent across different areas of the tourism industry, particularly within specialised sectors such as liveaboard operations.
To support the initiative, Maldives Legend introduced a dedicated campaign video in conjunction with National Tourism Day, highlighting the importance of inclusion, empowerment and career opportunities for Maldivian women.
The campaign was also featured in national media, helping bring wider attention to the conversation around women’s participation in the liveaboard sector.
Watch the reel
The campaign represents an invitation to look beyond conventional career expectations and consider the possibilities that exist within the country’s growing marine tourism industry.
As Maldives Legend prepares to welcome its newest vessel, Maldives Legend Y, the company hopes this initiative will contribute to a broader conversation about inclusion and opportunity within Maldivian tourism.
By supporting the professional development of local talent and encouraging greater participation among women, Maldives Legend aims to play a part in shaping an industry that continues to grow while creating opportunities for the people of the Maldives.
Because the future of Maldivian tourism is not only about the destinations we showcase or the experiences we create.
It is also about the people we empower to take the industry forward.
Interested in learning more about career opportunities with Maldives Legend?
Visit our Careers Page for information and future recruitment updates.
Maldives Legend – Creating extraordinary journeys while supporting the future of Maldivian tourism.