Indian market shows growth after decline, Maldives tourism minister says
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim stated that tourist arrivals from India to the Maldives are showing signs of growth after a period of decline. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, the minister presented a chart indicating a gradual monthly increase in tourist arrivals from India since the beginning of 2025. […]
Maldives targets $6 billion in tourism revenue by 2027
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that the Maldives aims to increase annual tourism revenue to USD 6 billion by 2027, under the fifth tourism masterplan covering the period 2023 to 2027. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, Thoriq shared updated statistics on the tourism sector and outlined government […]
Maldives to add 1,290 new tourism beds in 2025
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has announced that 156 locations are currently under development for tourism across the Maldives, with 1,290 new beds expected to be added to the market this year. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, the minister provided an update on the tourism sector and the ongoing […]
New minister Thoriq highlights integration of tourism, environment sectors
Thoriq Ibrahim, who was appointed as the Minister of Tourism and Environment on Saturday, has stated that he would focus on strengthening collaboration between the two sectors following the merger of the ministries. The appointment follows the dismissal of former Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal and the decision to consolidate the Tourism Ministry with the Environment […]
President merges 2 ministries, appoints Thoriq Ibrahim as Minister of Tourism and Environment
President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday merged the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy with the Ministry of Tourism to create a new Ministry of Tourism and Environment, appointing Thoriq Ibrahim to lead the newly formed ministry. The appointment ceremony took place Saturday afternoon at the President’s Office. Prior to assuming his new role, Thoriq […]
New Hanimaadhoo Airport set to boost Haa Dhaalu Atoll with 4,000 tourist beds
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal announced on Wednesday that the HDh. Hanimaadhoo International Airport, funded by India’s Exim Bank, is expected to facilitate the addition of 4,000 tourist beds in the surrounding region upon its completion. Faisal shared this update during a parliamentary session in response to a question posed by MDP MP Hussein Ziyad. Ziyad […]
Tourism Minister commits to reopening Shangri-La Villingili Resort, willing to amend laws if necessary
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal announced on Wednesday plans to reopen Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort, even if it requires amending current laws. Faisal made this commitment in response to a question raised in parliament by Ibrahim Nazil, MP for Hithadhoo South. “If changes to the law are necessary, the resort will be reopened,” Faisal stated. Shangri-La Villingili […]
Maldives’ main airport’s new terminal to open in December 2024
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal confirmed on Friday that the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) will be inaugurated by December. The announcement was made in the minister’s World Tourism Day message, highlighting the terminal’s significance to the country’s tourism industry. Faisal emphasised that the new terminal is a central part of the main […]
Maldives to amend 1991 diving regulations
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the Maldives’ diving regulations, which date back to 1991, will soon be amended in response to concerns raised by the diving community. The announcement was made during the Fuvahmulah Tourism Awards 2024 ceremony, held in celebration of International Tourism Day and organised by the Fuvahmulah City Council. […]
Tourism minister calls for greater Maldivian ownership in resorts
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing Maldivian ownership and leadership in the tourism sector, particularly within resorts. Speaking on World Tourism Day, Faisal highlighted this as one of the government’s key objectives. Faisal said that Maldivians show strong interest in tourism and that the government is encouraging young people to […]
Maldives faces challenge from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project, says tourism minister
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal stated that Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project poses a challenge to the Maldives’ tourism industry. He noted that this initiative mirrors Maldives’ renowned attractions, including white sandy beaches, lush greenery, and peaceful islands. Speaking on World Tourism Day, Faisal highlighted the Maldives’ position as a world-leading tourism destination. However, maintaining this […]
Tourism Minister calls for boost in occupancy and longer stays to drive Maldives tourism growth
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has called on the industry to not only focus on increasing tourist arrivals but also to boost occupancy rates, extend the length of tourist stays, and enhance tourist spending in the Maldives. Speaking at the GM Forum 2024, Minister Faisal expressed optimism that tourist arrivals in the Maldives would surpass 2 […]