Tourism revenue is projected to increase by 16 per cent by the end of this year compared to the previous year, Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has said.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Minister said the Fifth Tourism Master Plan, currently being implemented by the Government, aims to raise total tourism revenue to USD 6 billion by 2027.

The Minister noted that sustained efforts are underway to increase both tourist arrivals and visitor spending year on year. He said 2.04 million tourists visited the Maldives last year, while arrivals this year are projected to reach 2.24 million, representing an increase of 9.4 per cent.

Total tourism receipts stood at USD 4.79 billion last year. Initial forecasts for this year had estimated receipts of USD 5.45 billion, a 13.8 per cent increase year on year. However, the projections have since been revised based on current arrival trends and visitor spending patterns.

Tourism receipts are now expected to reach USD 5.55 billion by the end of the year, reflecting a 16 per cent increase compared to last year.

The Government continues to pursue policies aimed at expanding the tourism sector, strengthening its long term viability, and ensuring that economic benefits from tourism are distributed more evenly across all regions of the country.