Maldives has launched the fifth Tourism Master Plan.
The master plan was launched by the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at a ceremony held at Dharubaaruge convention centre. The new master plan promotes sustainable development in the country's main economic sector. The plan focuses on enhancing the women participation in tourism sector, protecting the environment and utilizing sustainable energy in tourism related activities.
Further areas include identifying ways to develop and expand the tourism industry, strengthening the legal framework governing the tourism industry, identifying steps to ensure the safety and security of tourists, researching ways to retain revenue generated from tourism in the Maldives and taking necessary steps, identifying ways to conserve the Maldives' heritage and culture through the expansion and promotion of tourism, increasing job opportunities for locals in the tourism industry and identifying the human resources needs of the industry and identifying ways to promote and market tourism.
Addressing after inaugurating the master plan, President Solih said the new master plan will identify the challenges and obstructions in the sector and identify solutions.
Furthermore, during the ceremony, Water Safety Programme, Registry of Tourism Sector Staff and activities to mark the World Tourism Day were inaugurated. The Staff Registry will be usable by all staff within six months, while the water safety programme will officially commence in January.
With the new plan, the administration aims to bring in 1.5 million tourists to Maldives by the end of the year.