The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, conducted a Knowledge Transfer Series for FHTS academic staff on 19 February 2026. The initiative formed part of the collaboration between FHTS and the Ministry in connection with World Tourism Day activities.

Organised by the Ministry’s Quality Assurance and Crisis Management Division, the session brought together 22 participants and provided an opportunity for lecturers to engage with current knowledge, practices, and perspectives relevant to the Maldivian tourism sector including approaches to managing risks, maintaining quality standards, and responding to challenges affecting the tourism industry.

The series supported the professional development and skills development of academic staff by strengthening their understanding of current industry practices and practical approaches that can be incorporated into teaching, research, and academic administration. This contributes to quality education, learning, and lifelong learning, while helping lecturers keep their teaching relevant to developments in the tourism sector.

By strengthening lecturers’ understanding of current professional practices and industry needs, the series also helped connect academic education with the world of work. This enables lecturers to bring current industry knowledge into their teaching and better prepare students with relevant skills for the workplace and future employment in the tourism sector.

The initiative also strengthened collaboration between FHTS and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Bringing together academia and the public sector created opportunities for knowledge sharing and supported stronger connections between higher education and national tourism priorities.

The Knowledge Transfer Series demonstrates the value of continued collaboration between academia and the public sector in supporting quality education, lifelong learning, professional skills development, and stronger links between education and the tourism industry.