Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has discussed on the introduction of additional flights to the Maldives, from Russia and Eastern Europe.

The minister, who is currently in Russia, met with Maldivian tour operator Resort Life Holidays and Red Wings Airline on Wednesday and discussed on introducing direct flights between Moscow and Male'.

Minister Mausoom also shared details about the Maldives tourism sector with airline operator of Zia Tours and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zhukovsky International Airport, Tomas Vaisvila.

After the meeting, there was a special ceremony held where Zia Tours and Resort Life Holidays signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

During the ceremony minister Mausoom gave a speech, highlighting the importance of the Russian market and stated that the Maldives will happily welcome Russian tourists who wish to visit the country. Minister Mausoom than went on to thank Russia’s travel trade partners for ensuring that Maldives remains a famous tourist destination among Russians.

Furthermore, the minister had attended a similar meeting on Thursday held by Resort Life Holidays and Nordwind Airlines. During this meeting, the minister stated that airlines can now travel to the Maldives as the borders have re-opened and further stated that the government highly encourages the utilization of Gan International Airport located in the country's south.

Villa Hotel’s CEO, Ibrahim Siyad Gasim and Business Development Director, Murad Hassan also accompanied the Minister to these meetings, as well as Executive Director of the tourism ministry, Thoyyib Shaheem.