Maldives sets ambitious target of 2 million tourists by 2023

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has set out a target of attracting two million tourists to the Maldives in 2023.

The Minister was speaking at the Travel Summit of the Travel Trade Maldives when he announced the ambitious target. The Minister said that this could only be done with the promotion of local tourism as well. 

He also announced that the Tourism Ministry had developed a platform named Island.mv where tourists can get familiarized with cultural and heritage aspects of different islands in the nation. Island Councils are also to engage themselves more in the marketing work of the islands. 

“Our target is to reach two million tourist arrivals by 2023. It will be the 50-year anniversary of Maldivian tourism. Our aim is to broaden international connectivity to international airports of the North and South. The newly developed airports have eased travel.” Said the Minister. 

While the Maldives reached a record 1.7 million tourist arrivals in 2019, COVID-19 and its aftermath in 2020 has left the tourism industry of the Maldives in shambles. The country has so far observed just around 400,000 tourists in total this year. 

The Minister also stated his appreciation for industry workers and stakeholders especially the local ones who helped put Maldivian tourism on the world map. He added that work to train individuals in the sector was also underway.