President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that extensive work is currently underway to achieve the target of bringing 2.3 million tourists to the Maldives by the end of this year.
The President made these remarks during his Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the People's Majlis for 2025.
In his address, the President noted that 2024 was a historic year as it marked the first time the Maldives received 2 million tourists, with visitor numbers increasing by 9 per cent compared to 2023. He highlighted that this year's target is to attract 2.3 million tourists by year-end. To achieve this, the President said the Government plans to begin resort development in previously undeveloped atolls such as Haa Dhaalu and Thaa atolls by offering investment incentives and other benefits.
Additionally, the President highlighted that to increase tourist arrivals, the Government launched wide-body aircraft operations last year and is working to expand the national airline's international operations to additional Chinese cities and other regions. In his Address, he announced that an additional wide-body aircraft will be acquired this October, enabling direct flights from the Maldives to select European destinations on the national carrier.
The President noted that he had pledged to modernise agriculture, and plans are in place this year for special development projects to transform Maldivian agriculture into a key contributor to the economy. He announced that a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for agriculture will be established, and a special project will be launched this year to achieve food security through domestic production of key crops. He further stated that this project would be completed in 2028 and begin benefiting the Maldivian economy.