Maldives Welcomes 1 Millionth Tourist of 2024
Saturday 29th of June 2024
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has joyfully welcomed the 1 millionth tourist of 2024. Sutapa Amornvivat, a Thai national, arrived in the Maldives today on AirAsia flight FD 175 at 11:15 am. Sutapa, visiting for a holiday vacation with her family at Niyama Maldives, marks her third trip to this beautiful destination following her honeymoon.
A Grand Welcome at Velana International Airport
To celebrate this significant milestone, Visit Maldives hosted a special event at Velana International Airport in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism. The event saw participation from various government authorities, including the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs Service, alongside numerous industry stakeholders. As part of the celebration, Sun Siyam Resorts offered a special holiday to the one millionth tourist.
Tourism Minister Mr. Ibrahim Faisal expressed his gratitude, stating, “Reaching the milestone of 1 million tourist arrivals is a testament to the enduring allure of the Maldives and the unwavering dedication of our tourism industry stakeholders. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, from travel agencies to hospitality providers, whose commitment and hard work have made this achievement possible. Together, we continue to set new standards of excellence and create unforgettable experiences for our visitors.”
Record-Breaking Month and Strategic Efforts
February 2024 was a record-breaking month for the Maldives, with over 217,394 tourists arriving throughout the month. This celebration underscores the strategic efforts of MMPRC and the government to further enhance tourism plans.
CEO & MD of MMPRC, Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, shared his excitement: “It is a tribute to the combined efforts of the Maldives’ tourism industry to have welcomed one million tourists earlier than the previous year. This achievement is on course to President Dr. Muizzu’s 2 million national tourist arrival target. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all of our stakeholders. Our dedication doesn't end here; we're always working to enhance the Maldives' travel industry and make sure Sunny Side of Life continues to be a dream destination for everyone.”
Marketing and Promotion Efforts
MMPRC has been actively involved in marketing and promoting the Maldives throughout the year. Working towards the national target of 2 million tourist arrivals for 2024, as set by the President of Maldives, the Visit Maldives team has carried out significant activities to promote the destination. MMPRC participated in key marketing fairs and campaigns, particularly within the top five markets: China, Russia, the U.K., Italy, and Germany, which have contributed the highest arrival numbers.
Additionally, Visit Maldives took part in major fairs such as ATM, ITB Berlin, and ITB China, which are crucial for the year’s tourism strategy. These efforts have been pivotal in reaching and surpassing the 1 million tourist milestone earlier than in previous years.
Looking Ahead
As the Maldives continues to enchant visitors with its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant culture, the commitment to excellence and innovation in the tourism industry remains strong. The celebration of the 1 millionth tourist arrival not only marks a significant achievement but also sets the stage for continued growth and success in making the Maldives a top destination for travelers worldwide.
For more information about the Maldives and to stay updated on the latest news and events, visit the official Visit Maldives website.