The Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, has announced that next year will be a key promotional period for the Maldives, focusing on increasing tourist arrivals during the low season. Speaking at the 2024 Tourism Symposium, organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the Minister highlighted various strategies aimed at enhancing the country’s visibility in international markets.
Minister Faisal discussed plans to strengthen advertising efforts by possibly establishing additional MMPRC offices in selected countries. He expressed the goal of increasing low-season visitor numbers by 10 to 15 percent, pointing out that while luxury resorts had historically seen fewer guests during this period, recent years have shown an uptick in arrivals.
Diversifying tourism offerings was also a significant point in the Minister’s address. Faisal spoke about the potential of introducing health and medical tourism as part of broader efforts to generate new revenue streams. He cited the example of Italy, where large numbers of tourists visit for dental procedures, suggesting similar opportunities for resorts in the Maldives.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the government and the tourism industry, stating that continuous dialogue and the exchange of ideas would be essential for the sector’s development. He noted that the government is committed to expanding the Maldives’ global connections by addressing challenges and engaging with leaders from other countries and various stakeholders in the tourism sector.
The 2024 Tourism Symposium has provided an important platform for discussing future plans for the Maldives’ tourism industry as the country looks to further its global outreach and boost the sector’s resilience.