Monday, August 12, 2024 The Maldivian government has set an ambitious goal to welcome three million tourists annually by 2026. This target was announced by Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, who emphasized the critical role of tourism as the largest revenue generator for the Maldivian economy. A significant milestone towards achieving this goal is the completion of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) .
Minister Faisal highlighted the strategic importance of this development, noting that the government plans to heavily target the Indian and Chinese markets, with the aim of attracting 500,000 tourists from each country. Despite an increase in tourist arrivals, the Maldives has faced a decline in overall tourism revenue. In response, the government is stepping up efforts to promote the Maldives as a premier destination for Indian travelers through various strategic partnerships and initiatives.
Minister Faisal remains optimistic, attributing the potential success to the new VIA terminal, which is expected to attract more airlines and significantly boost tourist inflows. The Tourism Ministry is actively collaborating with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) on promotional activities, and discussions with Indian officials are focused on enhancing connectivity to encourage more Indian tourists to visit the Maldives. As of now, the Maldives has welcomed 1,254,646 tourists in 2024, with a goal to reach two million by the end of the year.
However, achieving the ambitious target of three million tourists by 2026 will require sustained efforts and a reversal of the recent downturn in key markets. The government’s clear aspirations signal a robust commitment to revitalize and expand the nation’s tourism sector, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the Maldivian economy..
