Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has said that all residents and islands across the Maldives will be able to take part in ‘Visit Maldives Year’, a nationwide tourism initiative planned for 2027.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Thoriq Ibrahim said the initiative reflects a key pledge of the current administration and is intended to ensure broad public participation across the country.
The announcement follows President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s declaration during his third Presidential Address at the opening of Parliament, in which he designated 2027 as the ‘Visit Maldives Year’. The year will coincide with the 55th anniversary of the Maldives’ tourism industry.
Minister Thoriq said preparations are already under way within the tourism sector, emphasising that the initiative would be inclusive.
“We are working to make Visit Maldives Year open to everyone in the Maldives, for everyone to have a role in the ‘Visit Maldives Year’,” he said. “We will not exclude anyone or any island.”
He said the celebrations would focus on showcasing Maldivian lifestyles and traditions, local cuisine and folklore. Each island’s unique characteristics, he added, would be highlighted as part of the visitor experience. It aim to diversify tourism offerings beyond resorts and promote cultural engagement adding each island possesses unique qualities, and that their significance will be showcased to tourists.
The tourism sector is aiming to reach a record of 2.5 million tourists this year. By the end of 2025, 2.2 million travellers had visited the country. The revenue generated surpassed estimated figures, at USD 5.5 billion.