President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed that 16,758 beds have been added to the tourism sector during his presidential term. He made the remarks while delivering the Presidential Address at the Parliament of the Maldives.
In his address, President Solih said the efforts to expand tourism in the north and south of the country begin with the redevelopment of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Gan International Airport in Addu City. He added the government is also working to increase the number of beds in the area.
Additionally, President Solih said the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a high priority of the government. As such, he said the government opened the SME Bank to facilitate such businesses to get loans and to provide financial assistance to small businesses. He also said the bank will continue to provide more opportunities for small businesses in the north and south of the country through guest houses and city hotels.
The past year has been a progressive one for tourism in the Maldives. In 2022, the government aimed to attract 1.6 million tourists. The target was achieved last year, The government aims to attract 1.8 million tourists this year. A total of 172,536 tourists visited the Maldives in January which is an increase of 31% over the same period in 2022.