Maldives on Monday, welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA carrying 2,139 tourists.
The vessel, which is operated for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, arrived in the Maldives from Muscat, Oman, on December 8.
Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) said this is the first cruise ship to visit the country since the regulatory changes initiated at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).
AIDA’s arrival is expected to provide a considerable boost to the local economy, MMPRC said adding that the influx of visitors will positively impact a wide range of local businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guest houses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé.
“This surge in tourism is anticipated to contribute significantly to the growth of the sector, enhancing the Maldives' reputation as a premier cruise destination in the region,” it said.
According to MMPRC, the arrival of AIDA highlights the Maldives' continuous efforts to expand and diversify tourism.
In addition to strengthening the local economy, this development is also set to enhance foreign reserves, contributing to the overall economic growth of the country, it added.
The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9 at 6 PM local time.