Flights to distant atolls must be increased to expand tourism: MU Manik

Maldives Association for Tourism Industry (MATI) Chairman Mohamed Umar Manik (MU Manik) has stated today that the biggest obstacle in expanding tourism in atolls far from capital Male' City is the lack of an adequate number of flights travelling to those atolls.

He stated that flights to distant atolls must be increased so as to allow tourism to be broadened in those regions as well.

In a panel discussion held on state TV PSM on occasion of National Tourism Day today, MU Manik said that even when tourism was first introduced, the biggest challenge had been difficulties in transport from Kaafu atoll to Alif atoll. He said that with the introduction of seaplanes, tourism had rapidly developed in Alif atoll.

In light of this, MU Manik believes that the biggest obstacle in developing tourism in other atolls of Maldives also boils down to transport challenges.

"This took up speed when helicopters, seaplanes started operations. In this same way, [tourism] will not expand in further atolls either [unless travel is eased]. We have built airports. However, flights do not go there. Unless we implement frequent flying to those areas, [tourism] will not expand," he said.

MU Manik stated that resorts in Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaalu and such areas operate under challenging situations. His stand is that the area will see more resorts once three or four daily flights are conducted to the region.

"This is not commercially feasible. Even if we build airports, how can we do this with just two flights? Connectivity is key," he said.

Crown and Champa shareholder Hussain Afeef, also on the panel, said that the building of airports alone would not present a solution. He stressed that it is equally important to seek ways in which the airports can be properly operated.