Maldives Celebrates the Arrival of 500,000th Guest of the Year!
Thursday 17th of December 2020
Just 5 days ago, the Maldives surpassed the milestone of 100,000 tourist arrivals 4 days before the targeted day. And today, on 17th December 2020, the World’s Leading Destination of the year is proud to welcome the 500,000th tourist of the year- a remarkable achievement for the country!
Looking back at 2019, the destination had made a groundbreaking record of 1.7 million tourist arrivals to the country. But due to unfortunate events that took place around the globe this year, the big question was whether the tourist arrival target for this year was possible to achieve. Of course, it became obvious that a record-breaking 2 million tourist arrivals set at the beginning of this year were impossible, but 500,000 arrivals? Achieved way before the estimated date!
The 500,000th tourist, Kirstin Madeleine Nittke, arrived from Germany via Emirates and she was given a warm welcome at the airport this morning. She was awarded a product from Maldives Wave; Velaa series from Liyela collection as well as a Holiday Voucher of a 7-nights complimentary accommodation at Coco Bodu Hithi.
Upon this accomplishment, the Minister of Tourism, Honorable Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, stated "Surpassing this milestone in this challenging year in advance of the forecasted date is the result of combined efforts of tourism industry partners and the government. It is the result of HEP Solih’s timely decisions backed by the tourism industry partners’ determination to revive our tourism industry."
Regardless that the tourism industry faced the biggest slump this year, the Maldives has been impressing the world since it reopened, award after award, records after records. It even launched a one-of-a-kind loyalty programme in order to boost arrivals. The several campaigns and promotion activities carried out by MMPRC seems to have paid off, with the country achieving all its targets set after border reopening on 15th July.
The resorts and guesthouses have taken off. The aviation industry is back in the air. Liveaboards are back welcoming guests. For the Maldives, it's expected to be brighter, warmer days ahead. Congratulations to the Sunny Side of Life!