During an interview with PSM News at the New Year festivities celebrating the previous year’s tourism successes, Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal emphasized that tourism in the Maldives has become a model for the world. Highlighting the achievements of 2024, Minister Faisal noted that February witnessed the highest number of tourist arrivals, with December following closely.
The Maldives’ tourism industry received global acclaim by winning the World’s Most Popular Destination award for the fifth consecutive year, establishing the nation as a benchmark in tourism. “I am confident about the bright future of Maldivian tourism. Despite challenges, securing the World Leading Destination Award five times consecutively underscores our enduring popularity,” he remarked. The Maldives has evolved into a global brand, inspiring other nations to emulate its tourism model, which is a source of immense pride.
The Minister attributed these achievements and international recognition to the dedication and hard work of those in the tourism sector, as well as the guidance and vision provided by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. “We reached our target of two million tourists due to the collective efforts of everyone involved—the marketing teams at resorts, active staff at MMPRC, Ministry of Tourism personnel, and support from the President’s Administration,” stated Minister Faisal.
Looking ahead, improving resort occupancy is a top priority for this year. The government aims to increase tourist numbers by 15 percent compared to last year.