Monthly tourist arrivals expected to drop by 30 percent due to Middle East tensions: Minister Thoriq

Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that monthly tourist arrivals are expected to decline by 30 percent due to the ongoing instability in the Middle East.

During a press conference held at the President's Office on Sunday, Minister Thoriq addressed concerns regarding the impact of ongoing Middle East tensions on the tourism sector. He stated that the government has initiated efforts to mitigate potential setbacks, noting that the escalating conflict could negatively affect tourist arrivals and lead to a decline in state revenue. The Minister further cautioned that, due to the shifting geopolitical situation, there is a possibility that the number of tourists visiting the Maldives may decrease in the coming days.

Minister Thoriq highlighted that, according to statistics from February, the Maldives saw an average of 8,800 tourist arrivals per day. Of these, between 30 and 35 percent arrived via various Middle Eastern airlines. Consequently, the Minister noted that the escalating tensions in that region could lead to a significant decline in tourist arrivals to the Maldives.

Prospective visitors to the Maldives will now seek alternative routes to reach the country. Consequently, we anticipate a significant impact on tourist arrivals over the next few days. This will inevitably lead to a decline in national revenue. However, we are currently exploring alternative options and identifying new markets to bring tourists to the Maldives, aiming to mitigate this downturn as much as possible. We have been actively working on this since the issue first arose, and those efforts are ongoing. If we look at the specific decrease in tourist numbers, last month’s daily average was 8,800. We expect an impact of approximately 30 percent of that figure. This does not necessarily mean an immediate drop of that magnitude, but rather the overall scale of the impact we anticipate. Nevertheless, we are continuing our efforts to find alternative solutions.

Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim

The Minister stated that the government is actively working to assist tourists stranded at Velana International Airport due to travel disruptions caused by the changing situation. He noted that essential services, including water, Wi-Fi, and other basic necessities, are being provided to those required to wait at the airport. Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that while some tourists are rebooking their flights through alternative routes, others are returning to their respective resorts or relocating to hotels in Malé.

The Minister stated that while the government does not directly handle bookings for tourist tickets or hotel accommodations, it is actively collaborating with airlines to facilitate necessary services for visitors. Minister Thoriq further assured that the government is working closely with airlines to address and resolve challenges arising from flight delays.