Despite challenges, the country recorded a significant growth in tourist arrivals this year, Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer has said.
"International tourism faced major setbacks during the year due to conflicts in the Middle East and terror attacks in France, Belgium, and Germany," he said, adding that "the country saw a notable increase in tourist arrivals during the past 12 months, despite conflicts, terror attacks, and boycott campaigns run by some parties."
Tourism statistics show over 1 million tourists visited the country by October this year, which is a 3.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Arrivals from Europe saw a significant rise this year, while arrivals from Middle East, America and African countries also grew compared to 2015.