The Maldives marked World Tourism Day on Saturday with a special welcoming ceremony for visitors arriving at airports across the country. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
This year’s global theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” was reflected in the activities, which incorporated cultural elements showcasing Maldivian heritage.
MACL’s Chief Commercial Officer Mohamed Mihad told PSM News that the celebration was extended nationwide. “On the occasion of World Tourism Day, MACL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, is conducting activities incorporating cultural elements to welcome tourists to the Maldives. Regional airports also play a key role in the Maldivian transport network, transferring tourists to various resorts. Around 18 percent of visitors arriving at Velana International Airport travel onwards via regional airports. Therefore, the same event is also being conducted at regional airports,” he said.
The government has set a target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals in 2025. So far this year, 1.5 million visitors have travelled to the Maldives, with over 7,000 arrivals expected on Saturday alone.
World Tourism Day has been celebrated annually on September 27 since its establishment in 1980. The day holds particular significance for the Maldives, where tourism remains the backbone of the national economy.
