Visit Maldives Launches Creatoll Marketplace to Boost Local Creative Economy

The Visit Maldives Corporation has launched 'Creatoll,' a dedicated digital marketplace designed to bridge the gap between independent creators and the professional entities that promote the nation's image. The platform connects local artists with tourism enterprises, government agencies, and foreign missions, streamlining how visual assets are sourced and purchased. Unveiled at the Public Service Media (PSM) headquarters, the initiative was inaugurated by Heena Waleed, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, and Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of the Visit Maldives Corporation. The platform aims to modernize the procurement of high-quality photography and videography, reducing the reliance on slow, manual sourcing methods. According to Shiuree, the move toward a centralized platform ensures a steady supply of promotional material while ensuring that economic benefits flow directly to local talent. By creating a transparent ecosystem, the corporation intends to empower creators to professionalize their craft and reach a wider institutional audience. A key component of the launch is a partnership with Public Service Media. Ahmed Shakeeb, Managing Director of PSM, revealed that the national broadcaster will open its vast archives to the platform. This includes approximately 50 years of historical audio and visual media, providing creators and agencies with access to rare footage and photographs that were previously inaccessible to the public. Under the new system, creators can establish verified profiles, upload their portfolios, and set their own pricing structures. Crucially, the platform allows artists to generate direct income while retaining full ownership of their intellectual property. Visit Maldives Corporation views Creatoll as more than just a commercial tool; it is a strategic effort to advance the Maldives' creative economy. By leveraging local talent and historical archives, the platform aims to disseminate more authentic and diverse narratives of the archipelago to a global audience.