Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal today described this year as a record-breaking success for Maldivian tourism and announced a target to boost tourist arrivals by 15 percent next year.
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal today described this year as a record-breaking success for Maldivian tourism and announced a target to boost tourist arrivals by 15 percent next year.
The minister's remarks were made today on the occasion of Maldives celebrating its two millionth's tourist arrival into the country.
The two millionth tourist was an Austrian woman who came with her husband and two children.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony at the airport, the minister said this year has been a successful year in Maldives' tourism, and that many records have been achieved.
"Many records have been achieved this year in the country's history. The highest number of tourists came in February this year. That is, 217,000 tourists. This is the first time so many tourists came in a month. This year marked the fastest achievement of the one million tourist milestone," The minister said.
The minister said that when he took over the tourism ministry, the Indian market was in decline and that they faced many challenges. However, the ministry, MMPRC, MATATO and various industry stakeholders have worked together to increase the Indian market, he said.
The minister further said that it is a big goal of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the current government to reach the two million tourist mark.
MMPRC CEO and MD Ibrahim Shiury said the company is working hard to reach next year's target.
"We will try to market Maldives outside of a honeymoon destination. We will explore different sectors like sports and educational tourism. We will try to market it differently next year. We are making plans now," He explained.
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