Minister: Govt. to promote special features of islands to help boost local tourism

Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim states the government will promote special features of islands across the Maldives to help boost local tourism at the locations.

Local tourism has been expanded to many Maldivian islands.

Responding to a question from a member of the general public at Saturday night’s ‘Ahaa’ Forum, Minister Thoriq said the development of local tourism is presently observed on many islands. As such, he underscored the importance of promoting the special features of each island.

“As we are seeing local tourism developing, in islands, they recognizing the importance of special features on the respective island, and working on showcasing them to tourists visiting them,” he said.

According to Minister Thoriq, 65 percent of tourists arriving in the Maldives are visiting to experience the beautiful environment of the nation while the majority of the remaining tourists arriving in the Maldives are visiting for cultural tourism or experience the nation’s history and culture.

“If the latter is developed, there will be a boost in tourism in that particular island or zone,” he added.

“Our administration will render cooperation in achieving this, and undertake this work in the future. I find this extremely important. This is not only to enhance Maldivian culture, but to safeguard it for the future by educating the children of the islands on the important features of the island,” he stressed.

Minister Thoriq said it would be far more easier to develop local tourism at islands if they promoted this way.

Local tourism is prominent in many Maldivian islands, with a significant percentage of tourists visiting the country opting to stay at local islands.

The government is targeting to achieve over 2.3 million tourist arrivals this year, building on the over two million arrivals recorded last year.