The government will look to work with local councils to exploit the immense potential of cultural tourism in the Maldives, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim has said.
Minister Thoriq made these remarks during the fourth forum of the 'Ahaa' series, through which the government provides direct answers to citizens' questions which was held on Saturday evening.
Incumbent President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, since assuming office, has attached special emphasis to developing tourism across the Maldives, especially local tourism in the Atolls.
Explaining the President’s recent decision to merge Tourism and Environment, Minister Thoriq insisted that the two areas are quite closely interrelated, adding that over 65 percent of tourists visit the Maldives to experience its natural beauty.
He also said the merging of the two portfolios would further ease efforts for sustainable tourism practices in the Maldives.
Minister Thoriq said the recent uptick in tourism has coincided with the increase in demand for local tourism by visiting tourists, noting the recent ‘Rashu Expo’ aimed at promoting local tourism as a prime example.
"If we can keep doing these things, we can develop tourism in the individual islands or zones. We [government] will offer every assistance and cooperation possible towards this. I would say it is vital we share what each island has to offer, preserve and maintain the culture which would speed up tourism development. The government will do everything to achieve this,” he explained.
Referring to the efforts being made to develop the tourism sector, the Minister said the government will do everything possible to develop tourism in the islands. Along with establishing utilities and basic facilities in the tourism areas, individual guesthouse operators will also receive assistance from the government, he added.
"We will do everything necessary to build guesthouses in all the islands. President Dr Muizzu’s Administration attaches great importance to the development of local tourism in the islands across the Maldives,” the Minister said.
The world renowned tourist destination has witnessed the highest number of tourist arrivals in a single year in its 52 year tourism history.
According to tourism figures, a total of 2,047,435 tourists had holidayed in the Maldives in 2024. This is a nine percent increase from the 1،878،543 tourists from 2023.
This marks the first time Maldives has welcomed two million tourists to its shores in a calendar year.
The government aims to improve tourism occupancy and bring in 15 percent more tourists this year than last year, while boosting tourism revenue to USD5 billion.