President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that Maldives “must” continue providing exceptional hospitality in order to maintain its status as the leading tourist destination.

The president made this remark at the Tourism Appreciation Reception held at Crossroads Maldives on Thursday, to celebrate the country’s Golden Jubilee of tourism.

Highlighting that Maldivians have “always” been exemplary in welcoming tourists, the president stated that special consideration is required in order to maintain the quality of service and to preserve the natural beauty of the scatter of islands comprising Maldives, in order to maintain the country’s position in the competitive international tourism markets.

Taking the podium at the event, President Solih also shed light on how the tourism industry has thrived in the island nation, going on to express gratitude to the industry’s pioneers for their resilient work and dedication.

With this, he also applauded all those who are involved in the island nation’s tourism industry and went on to thank them for their commendable efforts.

The reception was attended by Vice President Faisal Naseem, cabinet ministers, tourism pioneers, and other state dignitaries.

The reception also saw President Solih presenting Appreciation Awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the tourism industry spanning the past 50 years.

Further, VP Naseem also presented Appreciation Awards to prominent tourism industry professionals who had excelled in their contributions, within this period.

The Tourism Appreciation Reception came as part of the events planned for the Maldives Golden Year of Tourism celebrations and aimed to recognize and acknowledge the resilient work of the workers in the tourism industry and to bring them together in a setting where they could network.