Maldives steps up Russia engagement with high-level tourism mission
A high-level Maldivian delegation led by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, will undertake a five-day official visit to the Russian Federation from 17 to 21 August 2026, with engagements in Moscow and St. Petersburg focused on strengthening tourism cooperation, air connectivity and travel trade partnerships.
The delegation comprises of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldivian and also members from the tourism industry.
Russia remains one of the Maldives’ most important tourism markets. As of 12 August 2026, the Maldives has welcomed 192,453 Russian tourists, accounting for 14.7% of total tourist arrivals and maintaining Russia’s position as the second-largest source market. The market recorded 278,761 arrivals in 2025, reflecting the longstanding relationship between Russian travelers and the Maldives.
During the visit, the delegation will hold discussions with senior representatives of the Government of the Russian Federation, focusing on tourism and civil aviation cooperation, air connectivity and opportunities to strengthen flight capacity between the two countries.
High-level engagements will also be held with leading tour operators, travel trade partners, industry associations, digital platforms and hospitality companies in Moscow and St. Petersburg. These meetings will provide an opportunity to gather market intelligence, understand evolving traveler preferences and explore collaborative promotional opportunities ahead of the upcoming travel season and Visit Maldives Year 2027.
Two industry networking events will be held in Moscow and St. Petersburg, bringing together senior representatives of the Russian travel trade, tourism partners and media. The events will showcase the Maldives’ evolving tourism offering while strengthening relationships with partners driving travel demand from the Russian market.
The visit will support ongoing efforts to introduce the Maldives to new audience segments, sustain destination visibility and strengthen accessibility from Russia. Bringing together government, destination marketing, aviation and private-sector representatives within one delegation will enable coordinated discussions across tourism policy, connectivity and market promotion.
“Russia has been a steadfast friend of the Maldives, and we are grateful to every traveler who has chosen our islands,” said Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation. “This visit is about listening to our partners, keeping our guests connected to our shores, and preparing together for Visit Maldives Year 2027. We travel with hope, and with the interests of our people at heart.”
The visit forms part of wider efforts to maintain the Maldives’ strong position in the Russian market while developing the partnerships and connectivity required to sustain future growth. Outcomes from the engagements will also help inform upcoming destination marketing activities and industry collaboration as the Maldives builds momentum towards Visit Maldives Year 2027.
