Maldives has welcomed its one millionth tourist of the ongoing year.

The government reached the one-million arrivals milestone for the promising year on Sunday, with the arrival of a Russian national who resides in the United Kingdom, who is on vacation in the Maldives with his spouse and toddler.

Anton Pavlov flew in on British Airways and was given a warm welcome at Velana International Airport (VIA).

The Pavlovs are spending their vacation at Vakkaru Resort in Baa atoll and plan to stay for a week.

An overjoyed Pavlov noted that this is his first time in the Maldives and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality received.

Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Thoyyib Mohamed and senior officials at Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Maldives Immigration joined the ceremony held at Velana International Airport (VIA) to welcome the millionth tourist.

The immigration department presented the bronze ‘Aida’ tier of the world’s first destination loyalty program, the Maldives Border Miles at the ceremony.

The Pavlov family was showered with more gifts at the airport.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tourism Minister Mausoom revealed that this has enhanced the road for Maldives to reach its tourist arrivals target for 2023.

Speaking at the event, MMPRC’s MD Thoyyib stated that the milestone has been reached far sooner than they had initially hoped.

The tourism ministry has revealed that India is the top tourist market for Maldives so far this year.

Maldives is expected to record 1.9 million tourist arrivals by year-end.

In his presidential address this year, delivered at the People’s Majlis on 6 February 2023, President Solih stated that the Maldives will be welcoming 3.5 million tourists, annually, by 2028.

Tourism was introduced in the Maldives in 1972. It has been 50 years since zealous travelers have been visiting the Maldives which has been drawing in visitors with its picturesque beauty for years.