Minister says 2 million plus tourists target for 2023

Maldives aims to welcome over 2 million tourists in 2023, the country's tourism minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom announced Wednesday. 

Speaking at a panel discussion on post-Covid tourism recovery on sidelines of the ongoing Asian Development Bank’s 55th annual meeting, Mausoom said Maldives was among the hardest hit economies during the pandemic due to its reliance on tourism. 

But due to an early border reopening in mid-2020 and straightforward entry requirements for travellers, Maldives tourism was well on its way towards recovery by early 2021, he said. 

"One of the main factors for the quick recovery was the loyalty of tourists. Maldives is very popular for repeat visits, thanks to the outstanding hospitality and personal touch of the dedicated industry employees," the minister said. 

Mausoom said 2021 tourist arrivals surpassed the years’ forecast of 1 million by 30% and the government is very optimistic of achieving their target for this year of 1.6 million tourists with 13 million bed nights. 

"In 2023, we expect to have over 2 million tourists with 14.5 million bed-nights," he said. 

Tourism development was stalled during 2020, but now it is gaining momentum, Mausoom said, adding that 10 new resorts will come into operation this year. The government expects over 8000 new beds to be made available annually in the coming years, he said. 

Mausoom said the global health and other crises have shown that tourism is a very fragile industry. Taking on from the lessons and experiences, it is time for countries to have a more resilient approach in tourism development, he added.

"We must address climate change, and related environmental implications. We should think and be ready to act beyond sustainable development goals to give direct benefits of tourism to the communities. Destinations’ product base ought to be broadened to give room for creative products of the new world, for the next generation tourist," the minister said. 

"Tourists of the future – fast becoming the present, wish for yet smoother travel experiences, even in uncertain times, and to be able to utilise modern ICT improvements to allow themselves to seamlessly work even during their travels. We must also consider the changes that is coming to the global financial market and currencies, including the opportunities and implications of cryptocurrency."