Hopeful of achieving 1.9 million tourist arrival target: Minister Mausoom

Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has expressed optimism that the target of achieving the 1.9 million tourist arrivals set for the concluding year would be achieved.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s ‘Fala Surukhee’ program, Minister Mausoom revealed that the target set by the Maldivian government for this year, was later revised with the hope that the number of tourist arrivals recorded this year would increase.

Highlighting that it was earlier estimated that 14 million bed nights would be observed in 2023 based on the current predictions, Minister Mausoom noted that although this figure is 1.7 million more than the previous year, they still remain hopeful to achieve the target.

The tourism minister went on to shed light on statistics which show that there will be an improvement to the amount tourists spend in the Maldives.

Dr. Mausoom also stressed that the Russia-Ukraine war, geopolitical turmoil, rising global oil prices and rising inflation are affecting the tourism sector.

However, he expressed satisfaction over the current state of tourism in the Maldives and where its headed.

Maldives is expected to record 1.9 million tourist arrivals by year-end. It was earlier estimated that 1.81 million tourist arrivals would be recorded.

Further, the calculations of the Ministry of Finance for tourism this year have also been optimistic.

As such, tourism growth is expected to surge in 2023, pre-pandemic levels surpassed and arrivals as well as bed nights are projected to surge in all three scenarios.

In his presidential address this year, 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.