On National Tourism Day, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen used the occasion to praise the sector that underpins the nation’s economy and to reiterate the government’s pledge of unwavering support.
In a social‑media message, the Minister lauded the tireless services of the entire industry that maintain the Maldives as “the world’s leading destination” and expressed personal pride in the country’s thriving hospitality industry.
Minister Ameen reminded citizens that tourism not only links the archipelago to the global community but also serves as the main pillar of the economy, generating 28 percent of GDP and accounting for 60 percent of foreign‑exchange earnings. He noted that, as of 2022, the sector employs 55,874 people—23,146 of them Maldivians, representing 41.4 percent of the workforce.
The celebration marks October 3 as National Tourism Day, a date chosen to honour the opening of the Maldives’ first resort on that day in 1972. The modest 30‑room Vihamanaafushi, now known as Kurumba Maldives, was built with lime plaster and offered 60 beds, laying the foundation for an industry that now drives the nation’s prosperity.
Minister Ameen assured that the government will continue to provide the cooperation and resources necessary to advance tourism, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for employment and economic growth.