Minister expects 60 percent boost in China tourists

Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has said that the number of Chinese tourists can be increased this year compared to last year by increasing marketing activities and flight connectivity.

China's Xiamen Airlines has launched direct flights between Fujian Province and Maldives. However, these flights are still chartered.

Speaking to reporters at a ceremony held at Velana International Airport on Wednesday, Minister Faisal said this is a huge boost for the tourism industry.

The Minister said the Ministry of Tourism and MMPRC will work together to strengthen marketing in different parts of China.

"More Chinese airlines will fly to Maldives in the near future. So, we are looking at bringing in more tourists from China than last year," he said.

The result is an estimated increase of about 60% in the number of tourists coming to Maldives from China this year, he said.

MMPRC Managing Director Fathimath Thaufeeg said direct flights will be operated between various provinces of China and Maldives.

“This is the first of these to be done with a province,” he said.

In addition to the newly launched Xiamen Airlines, three other Chinese airlines fly to Maldives.

Chinese tourists resumed arrivals in January last year, with 183,338 visitors from the country last year.

So far this year, Maldives has received 40,892 tourists from the country.