The Ministry of Tourism has welcomed the 1.8 millionth visitor to the Maldives.
The ministry welcomed Stefan Matthijs from the Netherlands at Velana International Airport (VIA). He arrived with his wife and two children to spend his holidays in the Maldives. This was his first visit to the country.
Matthijs was welcomed by Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, Managing Director of MMPRC Fathimath Thaufeeq and Managing Director of MACL Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed. Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Matthijs said he was happy to be the 1.8 millionth visitor and expressed hope that he would be able to travel to the Maldives again.
At the ceremony, Managing Director of MMPRC Thaufeeq said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu aims to develop the tourism industry within three years. She added that MMPRC is conducting research as part of its efforts to formulate a strategic plan to expand to more markets and explore more avenues.
Also at the ceremony, Minister Faisal noted that tourism contributes the most to state revenue with USD4.5 billion and that the government aims to increase tourism revenue to USD6 billion. He also said the government's top priority is to complete the development of VIA within eight to 10 months. He expressed confidence that more investments will be made to the Maldives' tourism industry and allow it to expand to more regions in the country.