The Maldives government aims to increase annual tourist arrivals to an unprecedented three million by 2026, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal said.
Speaking about PSM’s “Raajje Miadhu” programme, Minister Faisal expressed confidence that the target would be achievable once the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is completed, which is expected to be operational by next year.
“We are optimistic that under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, the Maldives can record its highest ever tourism numbers, reaching three to four million,” Faisal said.
While tourism remains the backbone of the Maldives economy, Faisal expressed concern about declining tourism revenues despite rising visitor numbers. He highlighted the country’s strategic focus on key markets, particularly India and China, with a target of attracting 500,000 tourists from each of those countries.
“The Maldives can easily attract one million tourists from these two markets alone,” he added, stressing the vital importance of revitalizing these sectors.
This year, the Maldives is aiming to attract a record 2 million tourists, a goal Faisal believes is achievable with new efforts, particularly targeting the Indian market. India was the largest sending market earlier this year and maintained that position throughout the pandemic, but has recently fallen to sixth place with 73,258 tourists as of August 7.
In response to this decline, the Maldives has stepped up its promotional efforts in India, and Faisal expressed his determination to see India regain its top three source market position by the end of the year.
“Our target is to take India from sixth place to the top three,” he said.
The opening of VIA’s new terminal is expected to attract more airlines, further strengthening connectivity to the Maldives. The Ministry of Tourism is currently collaborating with Maldives Airports Limited (MACL) on tourism promotion activities to support this influx.
During his recent visit to India, President Faisal met with Indian Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarap Ram Mohan Naidu to discuss improving connectivity and encouraging more Indian airlines to operate in the Maldives. He also met Indian Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to explore ways to increase tourist numbers and investment in the Maldives’ tourism sector.
These meetings were held in tandem with the “Welcome India” roadshows in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Building on the momentum of these events, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) continues to implement strategic initiatives to increase visitor numbers from India, with a view to reviving India as one of the top three sending markets.
Upcoming promotional activities include a Globalspa campaign, joint marketing partnerships with Cleartrip and Pickyourtrail, and study trips, all designed to strengthen Maldives’ position as a top destination for Indian travellers.
The Maldives, which has won the title of “World’s Best Destination” by the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year, is on track to meet its record-breaking target of attracting two million tourists this year, having already recorded more than 1.2 million visitors.
