Maldives has extended a very warm welcome to its 1.5 millionth tourist to the Maldives.
A special function was held at Velana International Airport to welcome the 1.5 millionth tourist, Marina Kazakova from Russia. On her 7th visit to the Maldives, she became the 1.5 millionth tourist and she was received by the Visit Maldives team with cultural entertainment activities.
Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed, Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Thoyyib Mohamed, acting Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company (MACL) Moosa Solih and other senior government officials participated in the function held at Velana International Airport (VIA).
MMPRC offered Marina Kazakova a free 6-day holiday at Meeru Island Resort in addition to a cultural plaque and a certificate as Maldives achieved attracting 1.5 million tourists earlier than target the government had set.
Speaking at the function, Minister Ali Waheed remarked the great achievement and invited Kazakova to participate in the Tourism Day activities next year. The minister also said the development it enjoys currently is down to unity and peace the country has experienced due to political stability in the country. He also applauded the hard work the ministry, MMPRC and the government did to achieve the target.
Managing Director Thoyyib said it is a proud moment for all Maldivians as the country achieves the target 43 days in advance.
Attracting 1.5 million tourists in Maldives was a pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
With the achievement of this target, MMPRC now expects to bring 1.6 million tourist by the end of the year.
Furthermore, he tourism minister also announced a new target of attracting 2 million tourists by the end of next year. He said while the target requires more work, and it is not unattainable. He also explained the plan to promote Maldives as the world's safest and most peaceful tourist destination.