By On a bright sunny day in the tropical haven, a welcoming party of several industry stakeholders and members gathered around a golden circled-banner celebrating the one-millionth tourist arrival of 2024.
The Maldives has welcomed its one-millionth tourist for 2024. Thai national Sutapa Amonwivat, her husband and two children received a warm welcome to Maldives after noon this Thursday following her flight from Singapore. While she had honeymooned in Maldives previously, this is her third trip to the country. Courtesy of Sun Siyam Resorts, the family was gifted a special holiday in Maldives.
The welcome wagon consisted of the Minister for Tourism Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, MMPRC CEO and MD, Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree as well as the institution’s members. Other government authorities such as the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs Service also joined in welcoming the family to Maldives.
Minister Faisal highlighted that over 900,000 tourists have already visited the Maldives this year, with the one millionth visitor expected to arrive by the end of June. “We are confident in achieving our target,” he said, pointing to the robust growth in tourist arrivals.
The Minister for tourism used the opportunity to express his gratitude towards all partners of the industry, including travel agencies and hospitality providers. He credits this one-millionth tourist arrival as “..a testament to the enduring allure of the Maldives and the unwavering dedication of our tourism industry stakeholders whose commitment and hard work have made this achievement possible”. The Minister noted future endeavors and remarked the importance of setting new standards of excellence to create unforgettable memories for visitors.
MMPRC CEO and MD Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree remarked how much earlier we are able to welcome the millionth tourist this year when compared to 2023 and noted the target of 2 million tourist arrivals within the year, “We’re always working to enhance the Maldives’ travel industry and make sure Sunny Side of Life continues to be a dream destination for everyone.”
Just last year, the country welcomed its one-millionth tourist, a British family from around August. As of 10 June this year, there was a 9.6 percent increase in tourist arrivals when compared to the previous year. While an average visitor stays for 7.5 days in Maldives, the Maldives welcomes an average of 3,650 tourists daily at this time.