Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has said the opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), along with the steady increase in tourism bed capacity, will significantly boost tourist arrivals to the Maldives.
Speaking to MMTV on the occasion of the Government’s second anniversary, Minister Thoriq highlighted the Administration’s efforts to strengthen the tourism industry, describing the rapid rise in available beds as one of its major achievements.
At the “Rayyithunnaa Eku Kuriah – Hafthaa 104” event on 17 November, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that 2,995 new beds were added to the sector last year, bringing the total number of newly added beds over the past two years to 6,223.
Recent statistics published by the Ministry of Tourism on 19 November indicate that 1.9 million tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year — a 9.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Minister Thoriq said the new VIA terminal has already contributed to improved arrival numbers and will continue to enhance passenger flow and visitor experience. He added that ongoing upgrades to resort infrastructure and improvements in both air and sea transport networks will support tourism growth across the country.