The Velana International Airport (VIA) is no longer just a transit point but has become an integral part of the Maldivian tourist experience, according to Hussain Afeef, Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the prestigious ITB Berlin Fair, held from 3 to 5 March, Afeef highlighted the airport’s modernisation as a game-changer for the nation’s tourism sector.
“The upgraded terminal now offers world-class services comparable to leading international airports, setting a welcoming tone for visitors from the moment they arrive,” he said.
Addressing ongoing challenges in internal transportation, Afeef acknowledged past difficulties but emphasised the government’s significant investments to improve connectivity across the archipelago. With new domestic airports, expanded flight services, and enhanced seaplane and speedboat networks, inter-island travel has become faster and more reliable.
“Maldives is made up of islands, so seamless transport is crucial. Today, the atolls are better connected than ever—this boosts accessibility and elevates the overall guest experience,” he said.
The Maldivian delegation, comprising 159 representatives from 67 tourism enterprises including luxury resorts, guesthouses, safari operators, and travel agencies, leveraged the ITB Berlin platform to promote the country as a safe, serene, and sustainable destination, aiming to attract a record influx of international travelers in the coming year.