President: Tourism sector is thriving, 9 more resorts will open this year

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that the tourism sector of the country was thriving, with four new resorts staring operations this year and nine more scheduled for completion by end of this year.

President Yameen made the remarks during his official address on occasion of World Tourism Day, celebrated annually across the globe on September 27.

Conveying WTD felicitations to all Maldivians, Yameen encouraged those involved in the tourism sector of Maldives to contribute more to the development of the country’s transport infrastructure – which he stressed is vital for further development of the industry.

He said that all Maldivians needed to work together in harmony for the sustainable development of the tourism sector – which the country’s economy so heavily relies on.

This year’s theme for WTD is “Tourism for all – Promoting Universal Accessibility” – which, Yameen said, ran within the same lines as his administration’s outlook for the Maldivian tourism industry.

The theme falls in line with the government’s efforts to develop the country’s local guesthouse business – which the Minister of Finance and Treasury, Ahmed Munawwar recently commented – was the future of the Maldivian tourism industry.

Yameen said in the address that it was one of the government’s highest priorities to expand and diversify the country’s tourism sector.

He said that four new resorts had started operations this year, while nine more resorts were scheduled to be complete by end of the year.

He also talked about the project to develop and expand the national airport – Ibrahim Nasir International Airport – a move which is expected to increase annual tourist arrivals to 7.5 million.

“With God’s blessing, tourism sector of Maldives is thriving. Those working in tourism are celebrating Maldives as a shining example of tourism development,” said Yameen.

He said that further development projects were underway, and wished all Maldivian tourism partners – both direct and indirect – greater success and prosperity.