The Maldives is working to increase the number of direct flights and flights that do not transit in the Middle East to reduce the tourism impact caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim has said.
The government is taking special measures to mitigate the effects of the situation, which has disrupted air travel significantly. Flights from the Middle East have been cancelled due to airspace closures, causing tourists to become stranded in the Maldives, and disruptions for tourists trying to travel to the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Tourism Ministry, Minister Thoriq said the Middle East developments will have direct consequences for the Maldives’ tourism sector. While the Maldives received 8,800 tourists per day on average in February, 35 percent of them travelled from or via the Middle East, he said, explaining that the crisis affects a large share of arrivals.
The minister said with the disruption, tourists will need alternative routes to reach the Maldives. Therefore, immediate steps are being taken to reduce the damage, through efforts to increase direct flights from Europe and other destinations, and exploring additional Asian destinations and increasing flight frequency.
The government, airlines, and relevant agencies are coordinating to provide assistance and facilitate departures for affected tourists.