Maldives strengthens China tourism ties through high-level visit
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, together with Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), Maldives Airports Company Limited, Maldivian, and leading tourism industry associations, is undertaking a high-level visit to China from 1 to 11 July 2026.
The delegation, headed by the Minister of State for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Haris Mohamed, will visit Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. VMC’s representation is led by CEO and MD, Ibrahim Shiuree.
The visit comes at a time when global travel and aviation continue to adapt to the evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which have affected international transit routes and influenced travel patterns. In response, the Ministry has intensified its engagement with resilient, high-potential source markets to sustain tourism growth and strengthen market confidence.
China remains the Maldives’ leading tourism source market, with over 168,677 visitors recorded by the end of June 2026, representing a 19.8 percent increase this year. This engagement forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders and sustain the tourism sector’s growth momentum as it works towards its targets for the year.
Throughout the visit, the delegation will engage in a series of high-level meetings with government officials, airlines, tour operators, travel agencies and travel technology companies.
The programme will also include high-level networking events in each city to showcase the Maldives’ offerings across leisure, luxury and emerging market segments. Together, these engagements aim to strengthen air connectivity, expand market reach, and support continued growth in tourist arrivals.
The Ministry and VMC remain committed to working closely with its partners to navigate current global challenges and to continue offering tourists a safe, world-class experience. Efforts across all high source markets will continue in the months ahead as part of this ongoing commitment.
