Maldivian Tourism Minister Thouriq Ibrahim described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Maldives as a landmark event for both countries.
Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Ibrahim emphasized the significance of the trip, calling it the first state visit by a foreign leader under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
“We are good friends, and this visit is significant for India and Maldives both,” Ibrahim said, adding that it was an important milestone in taking the bilateral and people-to-people relations to greater heights.
India Among Maldives’ Top Tourism Sectors
Ibrahim pointed out that India is a significant contributor to Maldives’ tourism industry, with India being in the sixth position currently among the country’s leading source markets.
“Last year we received approximately 130,000 Indian tourists. This year, we expect to receive 200,000 Indian tourists,” he added. The Minister further noted that the one millionth tourist to arrive this year was an Indian national, describing it as “a proud and happy moment.”
The Maldives is also escalating outreach in India targeting enhanced air connectivity from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow.
Better Infra to Meet the Demand of Tourists
The Minister explained the country’s present tourism infrastructure that consists of 175 resorts, 875 guesthouses, and 16 tourist hotels and provides a total of 64,400 beds. There are plans to incorporate 150 additional resorts to cater to growing demand.
Ibrahim explained that the newly opened Banana International Airport has a capacity of accommodating 7.5 million passengers a year. Also, the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, the first of its kind in northern Maldives, will come into operation next year.
“That region is near India and priority has been assigned to develop it with concessions granted to investors. Indian investors will be invited to develop the resorts there,” he added.
Targeting 2.3 Million Visitors
Though China remains the Maldives’ top source of travelers, followed by Russia, the UK, Italy, Germany, and India, the government is aiming for 2.3 million visitor arrivals this year.
With several international airports, an expanding seaplane network, and major investments in infrastructure and marketing, Maldives is counting on closer relations with India and celebrity endorsement drives to increase its tourism economy yet again, Ibrahim added.
