President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said work is underway to establish a system through which industries in the Maldives can directly submit their views and recommendations to the President.
The President made the remarks after listening to concerns and views raised by a young tourism sector employee working in marketing during a meeting held under the “Rayyithunge Adu” series, through which he has begun meeting members of the public individually.
President Dr Muizzu said he continues to consult stakeholders in the tourism industry on policies concerning the sector and listens to concerns raised by those working in the industry.
The President said diversifying the tourism industry requires expanding the different segments within the sector. In this regard, he identified cultural tourism and MICE tourism as two areas that could be further developed. He also said the Government is reviewing ways to develop islands where resort development had begun but later stalled.
“I am currently working to establish a system through which people from different sectors can submit their recommendations. Consultations can be held with the relevant Government authorities, allowing constructive ideas to be submitted,” President Dr Muizzu said.
The President said work is underway to establish arrangements through which constructive ideas, such as those raised by the tourism sector employee, can be brought to him and discussed with the relevant parties.
One of the matters raised by the employee was the need to develop the Maldives tourism industry sustainably. The high cost of domestic air travel was also highlighted as a concern.
The Government is working to further expand the Maldives tourism sector, including by releasing islands for the development of additional resorts and increasing bed capacity. Particular focus is also being placed on creating opportunities within the industry in areas where tourism is currently absent or remains underdeveloped.
The Government is also working with tourism industry stakeholders to promote the Maldives, increase the number of tourists visiting the country for holidays and extend the length of time tourists spend in the Maldives.
Although tourist arrivals declined to some extent due to the conflict in the Middle East, 1.3 million tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year.