Pioneers of the Maldivian tourism industry have recorded special messages for the countdown campaign launched by Ministry of Tourism to mark the 50th anniversary of tourism in the Maldives.
Maldives began tourism activities in 1972 and will mark the 50th anniversary of the industry next year. As part of the Golden Jubilee activities, Ministry of Tourism has launched a countdown campaign on social media, where a special message will be shared by a person from the industry every day until next year.
The first message of the countdown campaign, which was shared on January 1, was delivered by the first tourist to arrive in the Maldives, George Corbin. In his message, Corbin said he flew to Colombo, Sri Lanka and boarded a cargo ship 48 years ago to travel to the Maldives for the first time. He described the Maldives as “paradise on earth”.
The second message of the countdown campaign, shared on January 2, was delivered by one of the pioneers of the industry, and current Minister of Health, Ahmed Naseem. Noting tourism activities began in the Maldives in a very small scale, Naseem said the industry has made remarkable progress over the years to become one of the best in the world. He added the Maldives will be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Tourism as one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the world.
Naseem’s message was followed by a message from another pioneer of the industry, Hussain Afeef. Afeef said it was an honour to be part of the team that brought the first group of tourists to the Maldives in 1972. He expressed confidence the tourism industry will continue to grow and prosper in the coming years.
Through the countdown campaign, the tourism ministry will share messages from various people who are active or had previously served in the tourism industry. As such, messages from 365 people will be shared in this countdown campaign.