Governor: Important to increase budget for marketing Maldives’ tourism

Central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)’s Governor Ahmed Munawar has advised to increase the budget for marking Maldives’ tourism industry, citing the matter to be crucial.

Speaking at Parliament’s Budget Committee on Thursday, Munawar said destination marketing was of utmost importance, and therewith, the budget allocated in this trajectory needs to be increased.

Underscoring that the budget allocated for destination marketing was not more compared to previous years – Munawar stressed that easier travel arrangements for tourists will be required to further develop the tourism sector when Velana International Airport (VIA)’s expansion reaches completion next year.

“I note destination marketing as extremely important. Hence, I believe it is important to increase the budget for this. When our airport opens next year and beds are increased as an expansion, I believe there will be a need to increase travel by easier arrangements for tourists to travel in collaboration with the industry,” he said.

Munawar also advised to expand the aviation industry and increase direct connectivity.

Notably, there 174 resorts and 902 guesthouses in operation in the Maldives at present.