Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has said that the government is giving high priority to increasing tourism revenue despite focusing on the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives. He made the remarks on the occasion to welcome the one millionth tourist to visit the country this year.
Speaking to journalists, Minister Mausoom said the path towards the target set by the government for this year's tourist arrivals is clear and that the tourism ministry aims to record 1.9 million tourist arrivals by the end of the year. He also said the government is focused on the benefits of tourism to the citizens, adding that local tourism is currently expanding and the revenue received by the residents will increase.
Furthermore, Minister Mausoom noted that the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives slightly decreased in May this year. He, however, said that the tourism sector will be booming with increased tourist arrivals in August.
The Maldives is expected to receive the highest amount of tourists near the end of the year. Many international airlines will offer scheduled and charter flights to the Maldives during this period.