Minister of Tourism Dr Abdulla Mausoom, on Sunday, expressed his optimism that the country may likely welcome another 40,000 tourists over the remaining 10 days before year-end.
Speaking at the virtually-held launching ceremony for the Maldives Marine Expo, the Tourism Minister said experts had shared to him that, given that over 18 airlines were now operating flights to and from the country, the number of tourist arrivals could potentially rise as well.
Highlighting that 99 percent of Maldives comprises of sea and only 1 percent land, Dr Mausoom asserted the importance of marine transport in the development of the country’s tourism industry.
He also recognised the significant role played by safaris and liveaboards to further the travel sector, noting the vessels’ evolution over the last three decades in terms of size, quality and excellence of service - comparable to the numerous upscale resorts scattered across the archipelago.
“Boating and Cruise Tourism in Maldives is expanding more, every day”, said Minister Mausoom. “The Safari Boats we saw three years ago have now transformed into Luxury Yachts”.
On December 12, Maldives recorded the arrival of the 100,000th tourist following the removal of travel restrictions. Five days after the milestone was reached, the government welcomed 500,000th tourist for the year 2020.
Although Maldives has noted a significant reduction in tourist arrivals compared to pre-COVID figures, there has been a gradual increase with the establishment of travel bubbles between Maldives and other countries, as well as greater connectivity in terms of flight operations.
Similar to most countries around the globe, the travel industry grinding to an abrupt halt, has had serious consequences on this small island nation.
Mid-April, World Bank projected that the highly-tourism dependant Maldives may be the worst-hit economy, with regards to the pandemic, in the South Asian region.
Heavily reliant on tourism for revenue, with the industry momentarily ground to a halt, Maldives has estimated a shortfall of approximately USD 450 million (MVR 6.9 billion) in foreign currency, while projected state deficits are said to reach MVR 13 billion this year.
On Tuesday, local news outlet Mihaaru reported that the number of foreign nationals arriving at Velana International Airport within a period of 24 hours, had begun averaging 4000 tourists per day.
It was suggested that a 15 percent increase in flights headed for Maldives led to a rise of 32 percent in tourist arrivals, with unnamed sources within the industry quoted saying that, per their estimates, current figures indicate a recovery curve close to pre-COVID19 arrival rates.
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