Hong Kong Airlines Resumes Direct Flights to Maldives, Marking a Milestone in Tourism Recovery
Sunday 21st of January 2024
In a momentous occasion for Maldives tourism, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) welcomed the first direct flight from Hong Kong to the Maldives since 2020. The joyous event took place at Velana International Airport, where a special ceremony marked the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines flight HX791, carrying eager tourists from the Hong Kong market.
The returning tourists were greeted with the vibrant beats of the traditional BoduBeru, a lively cultural performance, and presented with special gift packs that included flowers. This celebration holds significance as it marks the resumption of Hong Kong Airlines' flights to the Maldives—a notable event since the onset of the global pandemic. Dignitaries, including H.E Ambassador Ms. Wang Lixin, Ambassador from the People's Republic of China to the Maldives, along with representatives from various government bodies and tourism associations in the Maldives, attended the ceremony.
China has historically been a key market for the Maldives tourism industry. The resumption of direct flights from China in January 2023 marked the end of a three-year hiatus caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Before 2020, China consistently held the top position in tourist arrivals to the Maldives, with over 187,118 visitors in the preceding year. Since the reopening of borders, there has been a steady increase in arrival numbers.
Hong Kong, within this region, remains an important market, and the reinstatement of direct flights is expected to contribute to the ongoing growth in the number of arrivals.
MMPRC has been actively promoting the Maldives as the top destination in the Chinese market through strategic marketing activities. The efforts have borne fruit, as evidenced by the Maldives achieving its highest-ever tourist arrivals in 2023, surpassing 1.8 million tourists. The destination also secured prestigious titles at the 2023 World Travel Awards, including 'World’s Leading Destination' for the fourth consecutive year.
Looking ahead, MMPRC has a range of exciting activities planned for the Chinese market in 2024, including an e-learning campaign, digital promotions on leading Chinese apps, outdoor marketing initiatives, joint promotional campaigns, familiarization trips, social media campaigns, and active participation in fairs and exhibitions. The resumption of flights and targeted marketing activities are poised to generate positive outcomes for the Maldives tourism industry, reinforcing the Maldives as the most preferred destination for Chinese travelers. As the tourism sector continues to recover, this development marks a significant step forward in the Maldives' enduring appeal as the Sunny Side of Life to travelers worldwide.