Maldives Smashes 1.5 Million Tourist Target
On Sunday, 24 November Morning, Maldives welcomed the 1.5 millionth tourist of the year, reaching the astonishing target for tourist arrivals this year set by the ministry of tourism.
The tourism minister Ali Waheed, senior officials of the ministry, officials from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporations (MMPRC) attended the special event held at the Velana International Airport. Marina Kazakova from Russia was the 1.5 millionth tourist to arrive to the Maldives in this year and was welcomed by the mentioned delegates. Tourism minister Ali Waheed and Thoyyib Mohamed, the Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), greeted Kazakova and her husband at the arrival hall.
Officials from the airport operator Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) as well as several industry representatives also attended the ceremony.
The event started with the stamping of Kazakova’s passport by the Maldives immigration. A celebratory sash was presented to her leading to a traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru performance while she was escorted to the arrival hall.
During the event, a complimentary holiday sponsored by Mirihi Island Resort was awarded to Kazakova by Minister Ali Waheed and Erdel Altinok, the Director of Business Development at Mirihi Island Resort.
Tourist arrival statistics have shown gradual increase and acceleration throughout 2019, as of the latest official figures the Indian ocean holiday destination welcomed 15.8% more tourists during the first 09 months of this year compared to the last year. Maldives has already beaten the total 1.4 million tourist arrivals achieved during 2018 and aims to increase through next year as well.
The government has proposed an astonishing USD 9.98 million for tourism promotions in the year 2020, with the countries ever-developing sector. The Maldives witnessed several new luxury resorts as well as guest houses been opened during this year boosting the number of beds and properties in the country.
