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 […]
Tourism Ministry opens bids for eco-friendly hotel development in HA. Baarah
The Ministry of Tourism announced on Monday the opening of tenders for the construction and operation of a tourist hotel in HA. Baarah. This initiative supports President Mohamed Muizzu’s campaign pledge to boost tourism in Baarah, a promise he made during visits to local councils before the recent parliamentary elections. A total of 71,832 acres […]
Maldives proposes amendment to Tourism Act, removing presidential approval for leasing islands
The Maldivian government has introduced a bill to amend the Tourism Act, proposing the removal of the requirement for the President’s Office to approve the leasing of islands, land, and lagoons for tourism development. The bill, presented by PNC MP Musthafa Hussein on behalf of the government, had its first reading in Parliament on Monday […]
Maldives records 9.5% growth with over 1.5 million visitors this year
Maldives has welcomed over 1.5 million tourists so far this year, according to recent statistics. Data from the Tourism Ministry indicates a 9.5% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year, with an additional 131,185 visitors. In 2023, the 1.5 millionth tourist arrived on October 28. China remains the largest source market, […]
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 […]
Fuvahmulah honours missing diver Mohamed Saeed for contributions to local tourism
The Fuvahmulah Tourism Awards 2024, held Friday night, recognised individuals and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the local tourism industry. Among the honourees was Mohamed Saeed, a renowned diver who tragically went missing in May 2022 while diving at a dive site. Saeed, a father of three, was posthumously awarded for his impact on […]
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 […]
Chinese tourist arrivals exceed 200,000
The number of Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives this year has surpassed 200,000. As reported by the Ministry of Tourism, 202,613 tourists from China have visited the Maldives as of yesterday. This represents 15 percent of the 1.3 million total tourist arrivals recorded so far this year. Following China, the leading source markets are: Russia: […]
Maldives seeks Indian investment for resort development near Hanimaadhoo airport
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal announced on Thursday that efforts are underway to attract Indian investors to develop and open three resorts near HDh. Hanimaadhoo International Airport. In a briefing about the recent Welcome India roadshow, Faisal emphasised the need for 4,000 to 6,000 tourism beds in the region to ensure the airport operates efficiently. He […]
