Maldives Tourism Minister, Ahmed Faisal, shared on Saturday that the country aims to welcome two million tourists by 2024, despite global uncertainties from conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas issue.
During an interview on the state-owned ‘Raajje Miadhu’ program, Faisal mentioned collaborative efforts between the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the Ministry of Tourism to bolster the promotion of Maldives as a tourist destination.
Faisal expressed optimism about the growing global travel trend and emphasized the potential for Maldives to tap into specific markets with its unique attractions. Using China as an example, he highlighted the pre-pandemic success when it was the largest source of tourists for Maldives. Faisal indicated plans for strengthened relations between the two governments to boost Chinese tourist arrivals.
“I am very optimistic that we can surpass two million visitors by 2024, barring any major global disruptions,” Faisal remarked.
Additionally, Faisal disclosed plans for approximately 12 new resorts set to open in Maldives next year, contributing around 1,000 additional beds. He celebrated the achievement of this month’s target of 1.8 million tourists, showcasing a robust recovery from the setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.