Ambassador of China to the Maldives Wang Lixin has revealed efforts are underway to commence direct flights between the two countries.
China was one of the top tourist markets for the Maldives before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2020. However, tourists from China have not travelled to the Maldives in the past two years due to the safety measures taken in China to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Ambassador Wang said tourists from China are eager to come to the Maldives, expressing hope direct flights between the two countries would resume soon as the situation in China has now improved. She noted the on-arrival visa arrangement between the Maldives and China will increase the number of travellers between the two countries once flights resume.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has earlier shared the sentiments of Ambassador Wang, noting tourists from China are looking forward to coming to the Maldives. He also expressed hope that some Chinese tourists would get the chance to visit the Maldives before the end of the golden year of tourism.
China was the largest tourist market for the Maldives before the COVID-19 outbreak with 284,029 tourists arriving in 2019.