President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Government is taking steps to minimise the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on the Maldives’ tourism sector, noting the country’s heavy reliance on the industry.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the President’s Office, the President said global conflicts inevitably affect all nations, adding that the Maldives is particularly vulnerable due to its dependence on tourism. He noted that around 30 per cent of tourists travel to the Maldives through Middle Eastern routes, and disruptions in the region have already begun to affect travel patterns.

The President revealed that tourist arrivals have declined by approximately 21 per cent over the past 20 days compared to the same period last year, attributing the decrease to the ongoing conflict and its impact on international travel.

He said the Government is working to cushion the effects of the downturn through a range of measures, including efforts to diversify tourism markets and reduce reliance on specific transit routes. Authorities are also exploring alternative destinations and flight routes in collaboration with airline operators and industry stakeholders.

Additional initiatives are being pursued to support the sector, including plans to increase the length of stay of visitors and introduce new visa categories targeting remote workers and content creators, which are expected to boost occupancy, particularly in the guesthouse segment.

The Government is also focusing on diversifying tourism products, with measures to expand activities such as sports fishing and diving, while promoting niche segments including halal tourism, education tourism and research-based travel.

The President emphasised that authorities are working to ensure that the tourism industry remains resilient, stating that all necessary steps are being taken to minimise external shocks and sustain the sector’s performance amid evolving global conditions