At the centre of Indian market strategy is improved air connectivity and promoting the destination for direct investments in tourism projects.
“We are now allowing up to 100 per cent direct investment in tourism projects. One can come up with new concepts keeping in mind our environmental concerns. Even in small hotels, we are welcoming direct investment,” said Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Maldives while addressing media persons in New Delhi last week.
The government of Republic of Maldives is looking to develop different regions of the island nation for tourism activities through infrastructure upgradation. There are plans to connect the southern and northern parts of Maldives to India through direct air connectivity. Once implemented the plan will shorten the travel time between the two countries.
“The biggest hotel in Maldives is going to come up in the northern part. Direct connectivity will hence offer travellers a convenient option to visit different parts of the country,” added Mausoom.
Maldivian, the national carrier of Republic of Maldives, owned and operated by Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS) is to commence thrice-a-week direct flights from Maafaru to Mumbai beginning April 2021. Currently, the flag carrier of Maldives operates three flights from Male to Trivandrum, two flights from Male to Cochin and four flights from Male to Dhaka, Bangladesh. The new route from Maafaru to Mumbai will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Maafaru International Airport located in Noonu atoll was opened in 2019 and the commencement of the new direct flights from Maafaru will help to connect North Maldives from India. Cocooned by some of the most sought-after luxury resorts in the destination, along with a large number of guest houses, the region is home to over 10,000 tourist beds spread across four atolls making this new route a highly lucrative leisure market.
Statistics published by Maldives Ministry of Tourism reveals that India is currently the top source market for tourism. The latest statistics indicate that as of March 17, 2021, Maldives welcomed a total of 243,979 travellers, out of which 57,965 travellers were from India.
“Visit Maldives plans to continue this momentum of growth by conducting several marketing activities in India. We are confident that with the support of our travel trade partners our target of welcoming 1.5 million international tourist arrivals will be achieved by the end of this year,” said Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director, Visit Maldives. Dr. Hussain Niyaz, High Commissioner of Maldives to India, who was present at the media meet, highlighted the burgeoning friendly relationship between India and Maldives.