Mohamed Riyaz
Tourism Expert & Industry Leader, Maldives
Mohamed Riyaz is one of the most respected and influential tourism experts in the Maldives, with over 25 years of leadership experience shaping the nation’s luxury travel, aviation, and destination management landscape.
He is the Founder & CEO of Lets Go Maldives (LGM), a globally recognized, award-winning Destination Management Company trusted by luxury travelers, VIPs, airlines, investors, and international partners. Widely regarded as a Maldives specialist, he has personally inspected and evaluated almost every resort in the country and holds a rare distinction for managing one of the highest volumes of VIP and VVIP travel to the Maldives.
Mohamed Riyaz is also the Founder of LetsInvestMaldives, a strategic platform providing investor advisory, market entry guidance, and tourism-focused investment solutions, bridging global capital with Maldives hospitality opportunities.
Beyond private enterprise, he plays a key national role as a Non-Executive Director of Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL), contributing to aviation growth, connectivity, and premium passenger experience. He has served as Vice President of MATATO, Founder President of the Association of Travel Agents Maldives (ATA), and Founding President of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA) pioneering the superyacht industry in the Maldives.
His expertise spans luxury resorts, aviation, sustainable tourism, destination branding, investor advisory, and marine tourism, making him a trusted voice for governments, global media, and international tourism forums.
Today, Mohamed Riyaz is recognized as a go-to authority on Maldives tourism, combining on-ground experience, strategic vision, and global insight to shape the future of one of the world’s most iconic destinations
1. What global strategies are proving most effective in reducing carbon emissions across the travel and hospitality sector?
Effective global strategies for reducing carbon emissions in travel and hospitality are those that combine innovation with real impact without diminishing the guest experience.
First, energy transition is critical. Hotels and resorts worldwide are shifting to renewable energy solar, wind, and hybrid micro-grids, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while powering luxury stays. In the Maldives, island properties are leading by adopting solar and energy-efficient systems that preserve natural beauty and lower emissions.
Second, sustainable aviation initiatives are gaining traction. Airlines are investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), optimized flight routes, and weight-reduction measures. These advances cut emissions per journey while keeping passenger comfort and safety unchanged.
Third, carbon measurement and offsets are now standard practice. Accurate emissions tracking combined with high-quality offsets, such as mangrove restoration and coral rehabilitation projects in the Maldives, help neutralize unavoidable footprints and fund meaningful environmental action.
Fourth, circular operations and waste reduction reduce emissions across the supply chain. Water recycling, plastic elimination, local sourcing, and zero-waste kitchens cut carbon and enhance quality for guests.
Finally, guest engagement matters. When travelers are offered simple, valuable choices, like opting into carbon-neutral transport or participating in conservation experiences, hey become partners in sustainability rather than passive consumers.
Together, these strategies reflect a global shift where climate action enhances brand value, supports local ecosystems like those in the Maldives, and inspires travelers to choose a future where extraordinary experiences and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
2. How can hotels, resorts, and airlines implement eco-friendly practices without compromising guest experience?
In the Maldives, eco-friendly practices enhance the guest experience rather than compromise it. Hotels and resorts achieve this by integrating sustainability seamlessly into operations using renewable energy, reef-safe construction, desalination, and efficient waste management quietly in the background, while guests continue to enjoy uninterrupted comfort, privacy, and luxury.
The Maldivian hotels use sustainability design to add value. Locally sourced cuisine, natural spa treatments, refillable glass water systems, and well-protected reefs elevate quality, wellbeing, and authenticity. Guests don’t feel restricted; they feel more connected to the destination.
Airlines and transfer partners support this shift through fuel-efficient aircraft, optimized flight paths, lighter materials, and optional carbon-offset programs that reduce emissions without affecting comfort or reliability. Even in the Maldives’ unique island logistics, sustainability and premium service can coexist.
Most importantly, sustainability should be aspirational, not instructional. When guests are invited to participate through coral restoration, marine conservation, or island regeneration, they create emotional bonds and lasting memories.
The Maldives proves that protecting the environment and delivering exceptional hospitality are not trade-offs. When done right, sustainability becomes part of the luxury itself preserving paradise while offering world-class experiences.
This is how the Maldives set the standard for sustainable luxury tourism.
3. How can cities in the region develop sustainable tourism infrastructure while managing high visitor numbers?
Cities across the Middle East can develop sustainable tourism infrastructure by planning for scale, efficiency, and long-term resilience from the outset.
The first priority is smart urban design, integrating public transport, walkable zones, renewable energy, and efficient water systems into tourism districts to handle high visitor volumes without straining resources. Technology-driven crowd management, digital ticketing, and real-time data help distribute visitors more evenly and reduce pressure on peak locations.
Second, cities must invest in low-impact mobility, including electric transport, rail links, and shared mobility solutions that move large numbers of visitors smoothly while lowering emissions.
Third, diversifying tourism offerings is essential. By promoting culture, nature, events, and off-peak travel, cities can spread demand across seasons and locations, reducing congestion while extending economic benefits.
Finally, sustainability works best when visitors are part of the solution. Clear communication, responsible tourism guidelines, and incentives for eco-friendly choices encourage positive behavior without limiting enjoyment.
Across the Middle East, cities that balance innovation, infrastructure, and experience will be best positioned to manage high visitor numbers while protecting their environment, heritage, and quality of life.
4. How can renewable energy and carbon-offset programs be integrated into travel and hospitality to meet regional sustainability targets?
In the Middle East, renewable energy and carbon-offset programs can be integrated into travel and hospitality by embedding them into infrastructure, operations, and guest experience rather than treating them as add-ons.
The region’s natural advantage is abundant sunlights, making solar energy a core solution. Hotels, resorts, airports, and attractions can adopt solar rooftops, hybrid energy systems, and smart grids to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining high comfort standards.
At the operational level, carbon measurement and reporting are essential. Tracking emissions across accommodation, transport, and experiences allows businesses to offset what cannot yet be eliminated. High-quality regional offset projects, such as mangrove restoration, desert greening, and marine conservation ensure carbon programs deliver local environmental and economic value.
Airlines and destination managers can integrate carbon-neutral travel options at booking stage, giving travelers simple, transparent choices without disrupting the journey. Digital platforms and AI tools make this seamless and credible.
Most importantly, renewable energy and offsets should be positioned as part of modern luxury and responsible growth. When sustainability is effortless, transparent, and locally impactful, the Middle East can meet its climate targets while continuing to lead in world-class travel and hospitality.