The Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal addressed the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Center from May 06 to 09, 2024.
At the travel trade fair, the Minister in his remarks shared the Maldives’ visionary goals of achieving an ambitious 6.5% growth in tourist arrivals. He reflected on the five-year Tourism Master Plan, which foresees 2 million visitors and a staggering USD 6 billion in annual receipts by 2027.
He also highlighted the recent developments in the tourism plan, and said that “today, our vision extends beyond luxury.”
“We recognize the importance of striking a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it is a core principle that guides our development,” the minister said.
The Maldives is exploring new chapters of tourism development, even though the traditional “One Island One Resort” concept is thriving on the back of innovative sustainable tourism practices.
The Minister of Tourism also emphasized the launch of the Visitor Economy Council, which is aimed at promoting various facets of the country’s tourism. The council was established as a strategic move to position Maldives as a multifaceted destination that offers a wide array of tourism experiences, and new niches including sports tourism, cultural exploration, and community engagement.
He further noted the recent Eco-Tourism Framework and Roadmap as well, which the minister said is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable practices.