The Maldives is moving to strengthen tourism ties with China as shifting global aviation routes and travel patterns place greater pressure on destinations to protect arrival growth.
A high-level Maldivian tourism delegation is visiting China from 1 to 11 July 2026, with meetings scheduled in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. The visit is being led by Minister of State for Tourism and Civil Aviation Haris Mohamed, alongside representatives from Visit Maldives Corporation, Maldives Airports Company Limited, Maldivian and leading tourism industry associations.
Visit Maldives Corporation is represented by its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree.
The visit comes as international travel and aviation continue to adjust to geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which have affected transit routes and influenced travel behaviour across key markets. Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has increased engagement with high-potential source markets to sustain demand and maintain confidence in the Maldives as a destination.
China remains the largest tourism source market for the Maldives. By the end of June 2026, the Maldives had recorded more than 168,677 arrivals from China, representing a 19.8 percent increase so far this year.
During the visit, the delegation is expected to meet government officials, airlines, tour operators, travel agencies and travel technology companies. The programme will also include networking events in each city to promote the Maldives across leisure, luxury and emerging travel segments.
The engagements are aimed at strengthening air connectivity, expanding market reach and supporting continued growth in tourist arrivals. The Ministry and Visit Maldives Corporation said they remain committed to working with partners to address current global challenges while continuing to position the Maldives as a safe, world-class destination.
The Ministry said similar efforts across high-performing source markets will continue in the months ahead as part of its wider strategy to support the tourism sector’s growth targets for the year.
