Tourism Minister Pledges Supportive Framework to Drive Sustainable National Growth

The Maldivian government is committed to fostering a favorable environment to accelerate the growth of the nation’s tourism industry, emphasizing that the sector's advancement depends on deep collaboration between the state and private stakeholders. Speaking at the Maldives Tourism Intelligence Quarterly Briefing, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen highlighted the upcoming 'Visit Maldives Year' initiative. This strategic program aims to broaden international market access and create tangible economic opportunities for local communities across the islands, ensuring that tourism benefits reach beyond the luxury resorts. Minister Ameen praised the resilience and adaptability of Maldivian hospitality professionals, citing data from the 2025 Visitor Survey as evidence of the country's world-class service standards. According to the results, over 85 percent of tourists who visited the Maldives in 2025 expressed a desire to return, while more than 90 percent would recommend the destination to others. Additionally, over 80 percent of visitors reported being extremely satisfied with their experience. Addressing external challenges, the Minister noted that aviation disruptions in the Middle East led to a four-month contraction in arrivals. However, joint public-private efforts successfully restored normal operations by early July. To further insulate the industry from such vulnerabilities and diversify the visitor base, the national carrier, Maldivian, has launched flights to Australia. The government is also in active negotiations to initiate Ethiopian Airlines services by early next year. While expanding flight routes is critical, Minister Ameen cautioned that infrastructure alone is not a cure-all for the sector. He stressed that long-term success requires a collective commitment from all industry players. "Every endeavour related to tourism is a shared effort," Minister Ameen asserted, noting that the government's primary role is to secure a stable and supportive environment for these national initiatives. He concluded the briefing by urging continued cooperation and expressing gratitude for the private sector's ongoing contributions to the national tourism agenda.