The Maldives anticipates further growth in visitor numbers next year, thanks to more resort openings and a heightened profile following travel trade and media events.

The Indian Ocean destination welcomed almost one million tourists (994,773) in the first seven months of 2019, up 17% year on year.

The same period saw more than 73,000 from the UK – its fifth largest inbound market – up 11% year on year.

There have been several hotel openings in 2019, such as LUX* North Malé Atoll, The Nautilus Maldives, Vakkaru Maldives and Faarufushi Resort.

Resort and hotel openings planned in 2020 and 2021 include Capella Maldives, Chatwal Maaga Maldives and Dream Gasveli Maldives.

The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) – the national tourism office of Maldives – held travel trade roadshows throughout 2019, in markets such as India, South Korea, South Africa and the Middle East.

Furthermore, journalists from countries including the UK, the US, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, South Korea and China visited on fam trips.

The destination has also launched a #ProtectMaldivesSeagrass campaign which is being supported by more than 30 resorts.

Seagrass is essential to the Maldivian marine ecosystem but is often deliberately removed because it is perceived as unpleasant and an inconvenience.

Stand: AS140

PR Contact: Majeedhee Magu

Email: info@visitmaldives.com

Tel: +960 332 3228