Maldives, on Thursday, marked the arrival of its 500,000th tourist for the year 2020.
The Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Immigration and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) identified Kirstin Madeleine Nittke as the 500,000th tourist and held a celebratory event at Velana International Airport (VIA).
Following her arrival from Germany via Emirates, she was presented with a sash and flower garland, and escorted onstage where she was officially welcomed by senior officials of the tourism ministry, MMPRC, Maldives Immigration and MACL.
The visitor was then awarded special gifts by Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr Naushad Mohamed, MMPRC Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed and Deputy Controller of Maldives Immigration Ibrahim Ashraf as well as CEO and Managing Director of MACL, Gordon Andrew Stewart.
Operations Manager of Coco Bodu Hithi Mohamed Shiham also presented a holiday voucher for 7 nights of complimentary accommodation in an Island Villa on Full Board Basis.
Additionally, General Manager of Allied Insurance Ahmed Shabiq gave the 500,000th tourist a voucher for COVID-19 travel insurance while Director Network IT and Planning of Ooredoo Shabeen Ali also granted a special gift.
Hosted with the support of industry and media representatives, the celebratory event concluded with a group photo taken with the tourist, alongside all the event partners, and was followed by a cultural performance by traditional Boduberu group Bidhabin, which showcased live music and 'Dhandi Jehun'.
Reflecting on the achievement of reaching 500,000 tourist arrivals, Minister of Tourism Dr Abdulla Mausoom stated that "surpassing this milestone in this challenging year in advance of the forecasted date is the result of combined efforts of tourism industry partners and the government".
He attributed the achievement to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's decision to open Maldives' borders as well as the determination of tourism industry partners to revive the industry.
The minister also expressed his appreciation to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), health professionals, related government authorities and volunteers for their efforts to protect Maldives' status as a safe and secure destination within the international community.
“Amidst such a pandemic, it is a remarkable feat to keep on achieving such milestones. We welcomed the 100,000th visitor since the border reopening just a few days ago and today we are celebrating the arrival of the 500,000th visitor for the year. This is, indeed, the result of joint efforts by the entire tourism industry in both the public and private sector. I would like to congratulate everyone for their hard work in making this year such a successful one", stated MMPRC Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed.
Congratulating the 500,000th tourist, Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Ahmed Hussain assured that "despite this global pandemic, we, 'Maldives Immigration', dedicate our commitments and full support to harness the tourism industry and move forward to boost our economy".
"We believe that we have contributed our part in maintaining our high safety standards at Velana International Airport and with our attractive incentive packages to our partner airlines", stated MACL's CEO and Managing Director Andrew Gordon Stewart.
"I would like to continue to assure our guests that Velana International Airport will maintain its high standards of safety until vaccines are successfully administered. The Maldives has already earned international recognition as a great holiday destination and the future looks bright, in fact sunny".
Maldives reopened its borders to international passengers on July 15, after nearly four months since the state halted issuing on-arrival visas on March 27. Guesthouses were permitted to resume operations and kick start local tourism on October 15.
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. At present, over 18 airlines are managing flights to and from Maldives.
It is anticipated that Maldives will reach peak arrival rates during the year of 2021.
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