Maldives Achieves Record-breaking Tourism Milestone with 1.8 Million Visitors in 2023
Thursday 21st of December 2023
Maldives Celebrates Unprecedented Tourism Success in 2023
In a triumph for Maldivian tourism, the island nation reached an extraordinary milestone by welcoming over 1.8 million tourists in 2023. The momentous occasion was commemorated with a lively ceremony at Velana International Airport, graced by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Airports Company Limited, Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs Service.
Dutch native Mr. Stefan Mathijs Hermans, arriving on flight EK652 from Dubai, UAE, became the symbolic 1.8 millionth tourist on December 20, 2023. Visiting with his wife and two children for a family holiday, Mr. Hermans contributed to this historic achievement.
The Minister of Tourism, Honourable Ibrahim Faisal, and industry leaders, including the CEOs and Managing Directors of MMPRC and MACL, Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq and Mr. Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, joined the celebratory event. Ms. Fathimath Majidha Hassan from Maldives Immigration and Mr. Mahmood Riyaz from Maldives Customs Service also participated, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this landmark achievement.
Expressing pride in this accomplishment, Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq, CEO & MD of MMPRC, emphasized the commitment to sustaining this success in the coming years. She stated, "Every visitor who arrives in the Maldives has their breath taken away by the natural beauty of our nation, the warm hospitality of our people, and the unmatched variety of places to stay and things to do."
Throughout 2023, MMPRC conducted 349 marketing and promotional campaigns, reaching a staggering audience of over 6 billion. Noteworthy collaborations with BBC Studios, CNN International Commercial, and Qatar Airways, as well as the success of the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023, contributed to the global recognition of the Maldives. The island nation secured the title of World’s Leading Destination for the fourth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, along with the Global Tourism Resilience Award and the World’s Leading Tourist Board Award for MMPRC.
As the Maldives continues to bask in the glory of these achievements, it stands poised to maintain its position as a top global destination for travelers seeking unparalleled experiences.