Alitrips, which is the travel service arm of world's largest e-commerce giant, Alibaba Group, has stated that introduction of their services to local businesses would greatly boost the tourism sector of the Maldives. The China based company made the statement during the signing ceremony held with newly appointed local agents of Alitrips in the Maldives. A ceremony was held at Hotel Jen to sign local agents to Alitrips.
During the signing, five local companies were appointed as agents of Alitrips in the Maldives. This includes Adaaran Resorts Maldives, JA Manafaru, Island Aviation Services Limited, Villa Travels and Tours, Splendid and Splendid Asia Private Limited and Lily Beach Resort and Spa.
Speaking to PSM after the signing, General Manager of Hotel and Business Franchise of Alitrips Frank Huang said that partnership with Alitrips would not only boost the businesses of the agents but also the tourism sector of Maldives. He noted that this would also boost Chinese tourist arrivals to the Maldives.
Answering a question posed by PSM News at the event, Managing Director of Island Aviation Abdul Haris stated that tourism stakeholders partnering with Alitrips would assist in the efforts to expand the tourism sector of the country. He said under the agreement signed with Alitrips more efforts will be put into increasing Chinese tourist arrivals via Maldivian airline, in return increasing arrivals significantly.
China is one of the main source markets to the Maldivian tourism industry. Latest statistics by Tourism Ministry shows that by the end of July this year, over 175 thousand tourists visited Maldives from China.