The Ministry of Tourism and Environment, in collaboration with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), organised a special welcoming ceremony for tourists arriving in the Maldives on the occasion of World Tourism Day.
This year’s official theme is "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation".
Speaking to PSM News, MACL’s Chief Commercial Officer Mohamed Mihad said the event was being held across all airports in the country.
"On the occasion of World Tourism Day, MACL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, is conducting activities incorporating cultural elements to welcome tourists to the Maldives. Regional airports also play a key role in the Maldivian transport network, transferring tourists to various resorts. Around 18 percent of visitors arriving at Velana International Airport travel onwards via regional airports. Therefore, the same event is also being conducted at regional airports,” he said.
The government aims to attract 2.3 million tourists in 2025. So far this year, 1.5 million tourists have arrived in the Maldives, with more than 7,000 tourists expected to arrive on Saturday alone.
World Tourism Day was first marked internationally in 1980, and has since been celebrated every year on 27 September. The day holds special significance for the global tourism industry, especially for the Maldives, where tourism is the backbone of the economy.