Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has revealed that an additional 2,700 tourist beds are expected to be added to the Maldives' tourism sector this year. He made the statement during an exclusive interview with PSM News.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Faisal highlighted the government's efforts to attract investors to the islands of the Maldives. He said that investor forums are being planned in various countries, with the first forum anticipated to take place in July or August. He also said that the initiative will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), and the Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC).
Additionally, Minister Faisal revealed plans for another investor forum in Thailand, with additional forums in other countries being considered. He stressed the importance of creating special arrangements to expand tourism into new areas and attract investors by reducing acquisition costs and offering other incentives.
Furthermore, Minister Faisal highlighted that 15 to 12 new resorts are expected to open this year. Based on current statistics, he said that it is estimated that 2,700 new beds will be operational by the end of the year.
The government is making efforts to expand tourism across different parts of the country, particularly in areas where tourism is currently absent. As part of the initiative, 19 islands across nine atolls have been opened for tourism development. Currently, the Maldives boasts 62,300 tourism beds, which includes 42,955 beds from 174 resorts, 14,461 beds from 860 guesthouses, and 1,198 beds from various tourist facilities.