The Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Ibrahim Shiuree has stated the corporation will be commencing work to diversify the tourism industry of Maldives. He made the statement during a press conference held to commemorate the successful completion of the Welcome India roadshow.
Speaking at the press conference, Shiuree noted the Maldives is rich in natural resources. Noting that the Maldivian tourism industry has been heavily dependent on promoting the Maldives as a dive destination or a honeymoon destination for the past 50 years, Shiuree stated sports tourism, film tourism and education tourism can be introduced and promoted in the Maldives.
He went onto highlight that some scenes of the Star Wars were shot in the Maldives and stated that there are tourists who visit destinations where such films are shot. He also added sports tourism can be developed in the country by adding that agreements can be signed with foreign universities during the low seasons to bring students from the country for camps and exchange programmes.
Shiuree stated the Maldivian tourism industry needs to be more diverse with the introduction of new experiences and new markets. He noted MMPRC is preparing to commence the diversification works next year. He said a study has been conducted to identify the concerns of the industry and added that the corporation will give high priority to work closely with the industry stakeholders.
Ministry of Tourism has disclosed they have received a proposal to develop sports tourism in the Maldives. As such, the ministry states that a relevant team will be visiting the Maldives soon to hold further discussions on the matter. The government aims to increase the number of tourists arrivals to two million this year and attract five million tourists annually by the end of its five-year tenure.