News Desk
In a bid to revitalize the country’s tourism sector, Xiamen Airlines is set to initiate flights to the island nation in March this year, announced the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The government’s ambitious goal is to double the influx of Chinese tourists, who were the largest source of visitors before the pandemic.
Before the global outbreak, China held the top position as the primary contributor to Maldives’ tourism industry. In 2019, a staggering 284,029 Chinese tourists visited the country, marking a significant portion of the overall tourist arrivals.
However, the pandemic-induced disruptions saw a decline, with the Ministry of Tourism reporting 187,118 Chinese tourists in 2023. Undeterred, President Muizzu, following his state visit to China, shared his optimism with reporters. He revealed successful discussions with Chinese authorities aimed at reclaiming China’s status as Maldive’s leading tourism market.
President Muizzu highlighted the outcomes of the talks, emphasizing that an agreement had been reached. The discussions focused on strategic initiatives, including plans to introduce more flights from China and enhance direct connections between the two nations. These measures aim to facilitate smoother travel for Chinese tourists, fostering a conducive environment for increased arrivals.
Looking ahead, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has set an ambitious target to boost Chinese tourist numbers by 40% in the current year. If successful, this endeavor is anticipated to bring in a projected 260,000 Chinese tourists to Maldives in 2024, signaling a potential resurgence in the country’s tourism sector. As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, these collaborative efforts aspire to strengthen bilateral ties and rejuvenate Maldive’s tourism landscape.
