The Maldives tourism sector has achieved a remarkable milestone, welcoming its one millionth tourist of the year. This accomplishment signifies the nation’s enduring appeal as a premier global destination, showcasing its resilience in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic. The arrival of the one millionth tourist not only highlights the nation’s resilience but also signals a robust recovery for its tourism industry, a vital contributor to the Maldives’ economy.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, Visit Maldives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, organized a celebratory event at Velana International Airport. The event was attended by government officials, including representatives from the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs Service, alongside various industry stakeholders. The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of a special holiday package to the one millionth tourist, courtesy of Sun Siyam Resorts.
Tourism Minister, Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Reaching the milestone of 1 million tourist arrivals is a testament to the enduring allure of the Maldives and the unwavering dedication of our tourism industry stakeholders. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, from travel agencies to hospitality providers, whose commitment and hard work have made this achievement possible. Together, we continue to set new standards of excellence and create unforgettable experiences for our visitors.”
February 2024 marked a new benchmark for tourism in the Maldives, welcoming over 217,394 tourists during the month alone. This record-breaking achievement underscores the strategic initiatives of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the government to continuously elevate tourism strategies and plans.
Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of MMPRC, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It is a tribute to the combined efforts of the Maldives’ tourism industry to have welcomed one million tourists earlier than the previous year. This achievement is on course to President Dr Muizzu’s 2 million national tourist arrival target. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all of our stakeholders. Our dedication doesn’t end here; we’re always working to enhance the Maldives’ travel industry and make sure Sunny Side of Life continues to be a dream destination for everyone.”
MMPRC has actively participated in marketing and promoting Maldives throughout the year. Working towards the national target arrival for 2024, as set by the President of Maldives, aiming for 2 million tourists, the Visit Maldives team has undertaken significant activities to promote the Maldives. MMPRC participated in key marketing fairs and campaigns, particularly within the top five markets: China, Russia, the U.K., Italy, and Germany, as these countries have contributed the highest arrival numbers. Additionally, Visit Maldives took part in ATM, ITB Berlin, and ITB China, some of the key significant fairs of the year.
