Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has revealed the Government of Maldives aims to increase tourist arrivals from China to 1 million before 2023.
Speaking to PSM News after meeting State Counsellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi in Beijing, Foreign Minister Shahid said discussions were held on ways to increase tourist arrivals, as China is currently a major market for the tourism industry of Maldives. The discussions included increasing flights traveling to Maldives.
Minister Shahid explained the Chinese minister agreed to grant the national carrier, Maldivian, to operate more flights to China, once a new airport is opened in Beijing next October. He further said while 26 flights currently operate between Maldives and China, discussions included increasing the number of flights.
During the meeting, highlighting the leniency Maldives have towards Chinese travellers, the Maldivian minister requested his Chinese counterpart to be less strict towards Maldivian travellers.
Foreign Minister Shahid also said the government is working with the Chinese administration to enable such measures as soon as possible.