The income made by the state through tourism has dropped despite the number of tourist arriving in the country having increased, announced the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO).

In its destination marketing report, compiled in commemoration of the World Tourism Day, MATATO accredited this due to a fall in tourist influx from countries that have a longstanding history of arrivals in the country, such as India.

The report had listed revenue generated through 14 countries Maldives is visited the most from.

MATATO’s chair, Abdulla Giyas, had officially launched the report during an event held at the Hulhulé Island Hotel.

He said that the government needs to allocate funds and better manage projects so as to market local tourist locations.

MATATO’s report had noted the efforts made by the organization to market local destinations. This including having hosted the Maldives Travel Conference earlier this year and 15 additional ‘travel shows’.