Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has stated the aim for the tourism sector next year is to break records by welcoming 1.8 million tourists to the Maldives. He made the remark presenting the State Budget 2023 to the Parliament of the Maldives.
Speaking at the parliament, Minister Ameer said the economy of the country is being managed to sustain the economy by boosting the vitality of tourism and other industries. He said tourist arrivals are expected to reach its target of 1.6 million tourists this year adding upcoming is the peak tourism season in the Maldives and so far this year, tourists have visited the country as much as last year. He said the number of bed nights spent in the Maldives will also be higher than expected announcing the country is expected to record new highs in the sector.
Over 1.7 million tourists visited the Maldives in 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak. Hence, it will be an all-time record for the Maldives if tourist arrivals in the country are recorded as estimated in State Budget 2023.
In efforts to expand tourism throughout the country, Minister Ameer said efforts are underway to develop airports in different parts of the country and increase connectivity. He said the modernisation of Hanimaadhoo International Airport and Gan International Airport will facilitate boosting tourism in the north and south of the country.