Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has stated the target for tourist arrivals in the Maldives for the year can be achieved with 6,000 flights.
Speaking at a press conference held at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Managing Director of MMPRC Thoyyib Mohamed noted the aviation industry plays a vital role in bringing tourists to the Maldives. Thoyyib highlighted increasing chartered flights and launching operations of additional international airlines to the Maldives can boost the tourist arrivals significantly.
Noting another 500,000 tourist arrivals are needed to reach the target set for the year, Thoyyib said operation of 6,000 flights can help the country achieve the target. He added the target is achievable as the figure represents just 50% of the 12,000 flights which arrived in the Maldives between July and December last year.
The Maldives has decided to reopen its borders for international operations on July 15. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) revealed the main gateway of the Maldives, Velana International Airport (VIA), is prepared to land and clear flights every 20 minutes upon resuming operations.
The government of the Maldives has permitted resorts and safaris to begin operations in July, with plans underway to allow local guest houses to resume services in August.