The government will work to create a favorable environment for the continued development of the Maldives’ tourism industry, while ensuring that the sector’s growth remains a shared national effort, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has said.
Speaking at the Maldives Tourism Intelligence Quarterly Briefing, Minister Ameen highlighted the upcoming “Visit Maldives Year” initiative, which is aimed at expanding the country’s access to international markets and creating greater economic opportunities for communities across individual islands.
The minister praised Maldivians for their ability to quickly adapt to changes within the tourism industry and pointed to findings from the 2025 Visitor Survey as evidence of the high standard of services provided to visitors.
According to the survey, more than 85 percent of tourists who visited the Maldives in 2025 said they would like to return. More than 90 percent said they would recommend the Maldives as a destination, while over 80 percent reported being extremely satisfied with their experience.
Minister Ameen also addressed challenges arising from external factors, noting that disruptions to aviation in the Middle East resulted in a four-month contraction in tourist arrivals. He said joint efforts by the government and private sector helped restore normal operations by early July.
As part of efforts to overcome such challenges and strengthen international connectivity, national carrier Maldivian has begun operating flights to Australia, while discussions are continuing to launch Ethiopian Airlines services to the Maldives by early next year.
However, Minister Ameen cautioned that expanding flight routes alone would not be sufficient to revive or sustain tourism growth.
He stressed that the success of the tourism industry depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
“Every endeavor related to tourism is a shared effort,” the minister said, emphasizing that the government’s most important responsibility would be to establish a favorable environment for the national tourism initiative.
He concluded the briefing by calling for wider cooperation across the tourism industry and thanking the private sector for its continued contribution to the country’s tourism agenda.
Meanwhile, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has highlighted a significant increase in foreign currency transactions conducted through official exchange channels, stressing the importance of tourism as the Maldives’ main source of foreign currency earnings.
Minister Saeed said the volume of foreign currency transactions taking place at the official exchange rate has increased substantially compared with figures recorded four years ago.
Addressing criticism surrounding the availability of foreign exchange, the minister said opposition groups were using the issue primarily to mobilize people for street demonstrations.
He presented comparative figures to demonstrate the growth in the volume of dollar transactions handled through the country’s banking system.
According to Minister Saeed, monthly bank card outflows have increased from an average of USD 10 million in 2021 to approximately USD 39 million currently.
Monthly telegraphic transfers for the import of goods have also risen sharply, reaching USD 26.6 million compared with USD 6.7 million in 2021.
At the same time, state financial support for merchants has expanded substantially, with government assistance now covering between 30 and 40 percent of merchant requirements, compared with five percent previously.
Minister Saeed said that misrepresenting the situation and damaging confidence in the national economy would benefit no one.
He also highlighted increased allocations for social sectors, including higher education and healthcare.
Monthly foreign currency outflows supporting higher education have doubled from USD 1.9 million in 2021 to USD 3.6 million, while monthly allocations for medical expenses abroad have increased to USD 3 million from just USD 159,000 in 2021.
Funding for Maldivians travelling abroad has likewise increased significantly, reaching USD 10 million per month compared with USD 1.5 million four years ago.
Minister Saeed maintained that all of these disbursements continue to be provided at the official exchange rate.
He therefore said claims that foreign currency transactions have come to a standstill are completely contrary to the actual situation, pointing to the substantial increase in official foreign exchange allocations and transactions as evidence.
