A total of 859 passengers arrived in the Maldives on board the cruise ship Vasco da Gama, which docked in Haa Alifu Uligan on Friday.

The vessel arrived in the Maldives after departing from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Maldives Immigration stated that immigration clearance procedures for the 859 passengers and 489 crew members on board were completed by officers from the Immigration Seaport Division.

Immigration also noted that permission was granted for 12 passengers and 23 crew members to disembark from the vessel.

Authorities said this year has seen a notable increase in cruise liner arrivals to the Maldives, with nine cruise ships visiting the country so far this year.

Uligan is among the destinations in the Maldives that receives the highest number of yacht visits. During the tourism peak season each year, a large number of yachts dock at the island, bringing many visitors ashore.

To further support maritime tourism, the Uligan Council has signed an agreement with Maldives Ports Limited to develop a yacht marina on the island. The project officially commenced on the 5th of this month.

In addition, the construction of a new Immigration office in Uligan has been assigned to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company. The office will facilitate immigration clearance for passengers and crew arriving on foreign vessels, particularly in connection with the international bunkering services currently being developed in the Ihavandhippolhu region.