President invites Indian investors, film stars to explore Maldives’ tourism opportunities

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives delivered a keynote address at a tourism and trade promotion event in Mumbai on Tuesday, emphasising the strong bond between Maldives and India, with a particular focus on the thriving tourism sector.

The event, held during President Muizzu’s state visit to India, highlighted the potential for expanding tourism collaboration between the two nations, with India consistently ranking as a top source market for Maldivian tourism.

In his speech, President Muizzu emphasised that tourism is more than just a driver of economic growth; it fosters cultural connections and mutual understanding between nations.

“Tourism is not just about travel—it is about building bridges, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting peaceful coexistence among nations,” he stated.

He noted that India has become an integral partner in the Maldives’ tourism success story, with close to 100,000 Indian visitors traveling to the island nation this year alone.

“India has been among the top source markets for the Maldives, underscoring the strength of our ties—rooted in geography, culture, and friendship,” he remarked, while expressing optimism about achieving even greater levels of engagement.

President Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ achievements in the tourism sector, including being named the World’s Leading Destination for four consecutive years. He attributed this success to the country’s pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and renowned hospitality, which have made the Maldives a favoured destination for Indian travellers.

“Many Indian travellers see the Maldives not just as a destination, but as a haven where they can unwind, recharge, and create cherished memories,” he said.

Looking forward, the Maldives is keen to diversify its offerings to attract more Indian visitors, catering to evolving preferences for unique and specialised travel experiences. President Muizzu identified niche segments such as ecotourism, wellness tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism as areas of potential growth. He also invited the Bollywood film industry to consider the Maldives’ natural beauty as an ideal location for film production, further enhancing the cultural ties between the two nations.

To support this growth, significant investments in infrastructure are underway, including upgrades to Velana International Airport and the new Hanimaadhoo International Airport. These projects are expected to be completed by next year, positioning the Maldives as a key travel hub in the region.

“These developments will not only expand our capacity but also enhance the overall visitor experience,” President Muizzu emphasised.

The president also extended an invitation to Indian businesses to explore investment opportunities in the Maldives’ tourism sector. He highlighted the potential for ventures in luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, and integrated tourism projects, especially with the Maldives’ recent legislative changes, such as the new Foreign Investment Act, aimed at fostering a more investor-friendly environment.

Additionally, the president outlined ambitious plans for regional tourism development, including the addition of 6,000 new beds in Addu City and over 10,000 beds in the Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls over the next five years. The northern region, supported by the new Hanimaadhoo International Airport, is also poised for growth, offering promising new opportunities for tourism investment.

President Muizzu stressed the importance of enhancing connectivity between India and the Maldives, advocating for increased frequency of direct flights to strengthen cultural and commercial ties. He highlighted the Maldives as a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and adventure, just a short flight away from Mumbai.

Beyond tourism growth, the president underlined the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable practices, particularly in the face of climate change. He emphasised the country’s vision of tourism as a force for positive change, aiming for a model that balances economic prosperity with environmental stewardship.

“By uplifting communities and protecting fragile ecosystems, we aim to create a model where tourism, community well-being, and conservation coexist in harmony,” he asserted.

President Muizzu also encouraged Indian companies to join hands with Maldivian stakeholders in public-private-community partnerships. He emphasised that these collaborations would not only drive economic growth but also uplift island communities, making tourism a catalyst for positive change.

In concluding his address, President Muizzu expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation in tourism, investment, and community engagement would forge a stronger partnership between the Maldives and India.

“Together, we can create opportunities that drive economic prosperity, uplift our island communities, and make tourism a true vehicle for positive change,” he said.