The Arrival

MACL Announces Temporary Closure of Velana International Airport Parking Area Ahead of New Terminal Opening

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has announced the temporary closure of the parking area at Velana International Airport (VIA) starting Thursday, July 17, 2025, as part of preparations for the grand opening of the airport’s new terminal on July 26, 2025. The closure is intended to facilitate final logistical and operational arrangements for the […]

New Terminal at VIA Set to Open: A Major Boost for Maldives Tourism

After years of anticipation, the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is finally set to open, marking a significant leap forward for the Maldives’ tourism industry. Planned to open on the 60th Independence Day, July 26th, the terminal promises to transform the country’s aviation capacity and unlock new opportunities for growth. The existing international […]

President Muizzu Announces Bold Expansion into Untapped Tourism Atolls, Eyes Halal Tourism Potential

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a major initiative to unlock the tourism potential in several atolls across the Maldives that have historically seen little to no resort development. In a statement shared today, President Muizzu reiterated his commitment to fulfilling a key pledge from his Manifesto and his February address to Parliament. The President […]

Maldives Tourism Surges as Middle East Tensions Ease and Qatar Airspace Reopens

The Maldives’ tourism industry, fueling over 60% of the nation’s GDP, is experiencing a vibrant recovery as tensions in the Middle East subside following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, announced on June 24, 2025. The reopening of Qatar’s airspace, previously closed due to Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar on June […]

Evolution of Resort Culture in the Maldives

The Maldives’ resort culture has transformed significantly over the past 15-20 years, propelled by international hotel chains and fierce competition. This evolution has redefined hospitality standards, enhancing employee facilities, engagement, and overall performance in one of the world’s top tourism destinations. The influx of global brands has diversified workplace environments, improving staff amenities, food variety, […]

A Maldivian Vision for Tourism and Climate Resilience

The Maldives, our beloved island nation, is a global beacon of beauty, with turquoise lagoons, powdery beaches, and teeming marine ecosystems. In 2022, over 1.5 million visitors embraced our shores, with projections for 2023 surpassing even this milestone, reaffirming our status as a world-class destination. Tourism is our economic heartbeat, fueling jobs, uplifting communities, and […]

Meyyafushi Maldives Set to Redefine Luxury with Grand October Opening

New Boutique Resort in Lhaviyani Atoll Signals Bright Future for Maldivian Tourism The Maldives is poised to welcome a dazzling addition to its tourism landscape with the opening of Meyyafushi Maldives, a five-star premium all-inclusive boutique resort, on October 1, 2025. Nestled in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, just a 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International […]

Maldives Hits One Million Tourist Arrivals as Government Aims for 2.3 Million by Year-End

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has announced that the Maldives has officially surpassed one million tourist arrivals for the year, marking a significant milestone in the country’s tourism recovery and growth efforts. As of June 10, a total of 1,016,377 tourists have visited the Maldives—a 9.4 percent increase compared to the same period last […]

Israel-Iran Conflict Disrupts Global Tourism

The Israel-Iran conflict, escalated by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites starting June 13, 2025, has severely impacted global tourism, particularly in the Middle East. Earlier in 2025, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region saw tourism contributing 6.7% to the Middle East’s GDP and 8.1% to North Africa’s, with destinations like […]

Air Arabia to Double Daily Flights to Maldives from October Due to High Demand

United Arab Emirates-based budget airline Air Arabia has announced that it will double its daily flights to the Maldives starting from October 2025, responding to a significant surge in travel demand to the island nation. Currently operating one daily flight between Sharjah and Malé, Air Arabia will increase this to two daily flights, offering greater […]