President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared October 3 as the National Tourism Day. He announced the decision while delivering his remarks at the ceremony held at Kurumba Maldives Resort to launch the official one-year countdown to the 50th anniversary of the tourism industry of the Maldives.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih revealed the government has decided to dedicate a day for the occasion since the Maldives does not mark a specific day to celebrate the achievements of the tourism sector. In previous years, such celebrations were held coinciding with International Tourism Day.
President Solih further clarified National Tourism Day is attributed to the opening of the first resort in the Maldives, which was Kurumba Village established at Vihamanaafushi island near Male' City on October 3, 1972.
Furthermore, President Solih commended the efforts of tourism industry workers and emphasised their contributions to the advancement of the industry. He also reiterated the participation of women and youth is crucial to the advancement of the Maldives tourism industry.
At the ceremony, the president was also presented with the lyrics of the official song for celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Maldives Tourism Industry.
The ceremony was attended by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, tourism sector representatives, long-serving members of the sector, and industry leaders.