Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that the opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) and the continued expansion of tourism bed capacity will drive a further increase in tourist arrivals to the Maldives.

Speaking to MMTV on the occasion of the Government’s two-year anniversary, the Minister said considerable efforts are underway to strengthen the tourism sector. He identified the rapid rise in available tourism beds as one of the Administration’s key achievements.

At the “Rayyithunnaa Eku Kuriah – Hafthaa 104” ceremony held on 17 November, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that 2,995 new beds were added to the sector last year, and that a total of 6,223 beds have been added during the past two years.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism on 19 November show that 1.9 million tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year, representing a 9.9 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Minister Thoriq said the opening of the new VIA terminal has already had a positive impact on arrivals and will continue to boost numbers. He added that ongoing upgrades to resorts and improvements in both air and sea transport will support nationwide tourism development.