Minister says aviation sector development key for tourism

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohammed Ameen said on Tuesday that the tourism industry will expand further if the aviation industry is strengthened and developed.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Sheraton Maldives on Tuesday to welcome the participants of the Air Service World Congress being held in Maldives, Ameen said Maldives' tourism can only be fully benefited by establishing a strong world-class air transport industry.

Ameen said the Air Service World Congress will play an important role in increasing the potential number of flights to and from Maldives.

"We should not only strive to keep Maldives as a top tourism destination but also offer enjoyable air travel facilities that tourists will not forget," he said.

Ameen said there are many opportunities in Maldives to expand air transport and he is sure that this conference will open doors.

Speaking at the ceremony, MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef highlighted the important role played by the VIA in Maldives aviation sector.

Shareef said the VIA is not only the main gateway to Maldives but the airport will showcase Maldives' status in the field of development, tourism and transportation.

Referring to the projects being carried out for the development of the airport, he said that when the number of tourists coming to Maldives is increasing year by year, it is important to expand services to meet their needs.

“Our aim is to make the VIA a remarkable airport in the Indian Ocean region,” Shareef said.

The Air Service World Congress, which runs until Thursday at Kurumba Maldives, is attended by more than 150 delegates from 27 airlines and 17 airports.