The incumbent administration’s policy is to expand tourism to the north and south of Maldives and establish the required support services, says Vice President Faisal Naseem.

The vice president said this while addressing the sixth edition of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2022.

The SATA awards were held at Adhaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi on Friday evening.

As such, taking the podium at the event, VP Naseem noted that the government’s policy remains to establish the necessary support services to expand tourism to the north and south, including sustainable and affordable air and sea transportation.

Expressing gratitude to the organizers of SATA, VP Naseem noted that since it was incepted in 2016, SATA awards have become a “unique” platform celebrating the finest in South Asian hospitality.

He went on to note that the six South Asian countries represented in the SATA Awards have the best to offer across the entire globe.

Highlighting how the island nation’s tourism industry was incepted 50 years ago, VP Naseem stated that the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of a few young pioneers against all odds, had resulted in the country being able to overcome many challenges, and in turn introduce tourism.

Noting how Maldives has remained the leading travel destination, VP Naseem added that its winning characteristic was the “genuine” hospitality of Maldivians which is present in the true nature of every Maldivian.

As such, the vice president said that the “warm”, “friendly” and generous reception and the mindset to provide guests with the best possible holiday experience is what makes the Maldives unique.

Going on to touch down on the hindrances the travel industry had to go through during the Covid-19 pandemic and shed light on the precautionary measures taken by the administration when the Maldives was forced to close its borders and temporarily close resorts and guesthouse operations, which had a negative impact on the country's economy.

VP Naseem noted that the country powered through the hardships and once again opened borders and invited zealous travelers back to the country, with the collective efforts of the president and the tourism industry workers.

The ceremony also saw VP Naseem expressing gratitude to the stakeholders in the tourism industry for their assistance and cooperation.

He went on to state that the tourism industry’s support was “critical” on the country’s road to recovery.

The awards ceremony saw VP Naseem presenting SATA 2022 Awards to five professionals who have done exemplary work in the hospitality and tourism industry.