The newly upgraded terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) has significantly improved the experience for visitors arriving in the Maldives, according to Hussain Afeef, Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ITB Berlin travel fair held from 3 to 5 March, Afeef said the airport has evolved beyond being merely a gateway to the country, becoming an important part of the overall travel experience for tourists.
He noted that the modernised terminal now provides services and facilities comparable to those found at major international airports, creating a strong first impression for travellers visiting the Maldives.
Afeef also addressed challenges related to domestic transportation, acknowledging that connectivity between islands had posed difficulties in the past. However, he said major government investments in recent years have significantly improved travel within the archipelago.
These developments include the expansion of domestic airports, increased flight services, and improvements to seaplane and speedboat networks, which have made travel between islands faster and more efficient.
He emphasised that reliable transport links are essential for a nation made up of dispersed islands, adding that improved connectivity across the atolls has enhanced accessibility and strengthened the overall tourism experience.
The Maldivian delegation at ITB Berlin included 159 representatives from 67 tourism-related businesses, ranging from luxury resorts and guesthouses to safari operators and travel agencies. During the event, they promoted the Maldives as a safe, peaceful and sustainable destination, with the goal of attracting even more international visitors in the year ahead
