Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the Maldives’ tourism sector has contributed MVR 437 million in non-tax revenue this year, showcasing a remarkable increase compared to the combined earnings of MVR 210 million over the previous two years. This announcement underscores the sector’s vital role in bolstering state revenue.
This year, the Maldives achieved significant milestones, including its fifth consecutive World’s Leading Destination Award and its first World’s Leading Green Destination Award. February was particularly noteworthy for tourist arrivals, with a single-day record of 10,213 visitors and a total of 217,392 arrivals for the month. The Maldives reached the one-million tourist milestone earlier than ever before, with expectations of attaining two million tourists by month’s end.
During an appearance on MMTV’s Bodu Khabaru programme, Minister Faisal detailed that the revenue was primarily derived from island leasing for resort development and extensions of lease periods. The Tourism Ministry has made strides in addressing undeveloped resort properties, reducing their number from 63 to 58. Discussions are ongoing with the Economic Council and Attorney General on reclaiming islands from developers unable to demonstrate development capabilities.
In an effort to bolster hospitality education, Minister Faisal confirmed that L. Hulhimendhoo has been allocated to the National University for development as a training resort, aiming to establish it as a premier international hospitality training facility.
While acknowledging the challenge posed by undeveloped awarded islands, the Minister reiterated ongoing efforts to optimise state revenue from the tourism sector.
