Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has announced that next year will be a pivotal promotional year for tourism in the Maldives, with a special focus on increasing the number of visitors during the low season. The minister made these remarks at the Tourism Symposium 2024, organized by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
Minister Faisal emphasized that priority will be given to promoting Maldivian tourism in global markets. To enhance advertising efforts, he outlined plans to establish MMPRC offices in select countries, if needed.
The goal is to bolster advertising strategies and attract an additional 10 to 15 percent more tourists during the low season. The minister noted that while the number of visitors to luxury resorts had previously been low, there has been a notable increase this year.
Faisal stressed the importance of diversifying tourism offerings in the Maldives. He proposed introducing various types of tourism, including health services and "medical tourism," to generate significant revenue. Citing the example of Italy, where one million tourists travel annually for dental procedures, he highlighted the potential for establishing medical facilities in resorts.
Furthermore, Minister Faisal underscored the necessity of collaboration between the government and the tourism sector. He affirmed that effective communication, idea exchange, and consultations are vital for the sector's development.
The government is actively working to strengthen the tourism sector, connecting the Maldives with global markets by engaging with various stakeholders, addressing challenges, and meeting with leaders from different countries.