The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, has announced that the Maldivian government has provided essential assistance to 1,888 tourists stranded in the country due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The regional instability led to numerous flight cancellations, leaving many visitors unable to depart as scheduled. Minister Thoriq stated that the government began its support initiatives immediately following the disruption of flight operations. This included making instantaneous arrangements for accommodation and comfort at the airport, a feat achieved through the close cooperation and support of the tourism industry.
The Minister further noted that resorts played a vital role by extending the stays of affected tourists without imposing exorbitant fees. He highlighted that while there has been a significant surge in cancellations for March and April, resorts are facilitating rebookings without additional charges to ease the burden on travelers. “To date, we have successfully assisted 1,888 tourists, particularly those who faced challenges in securing necessary aid at the airport. Furthermore, a comprehensive plan has been established to further strengthen these support mechanisms,” the Minister stated.
Minister Thoriq Ibrahim also revealed that marketing efforts will be intensified starting early next month. He identified China, India, and Russia as key target markets where promotional activities will be bolstered.
“Since China, India, and Russia are currently our primary focus areas, we are working diligently to introduce additional flights and increase flight frequencies from these regions,” the Minister explained. He added that discussions are ongoing with neighboring countries, major source markets, and airline operating nations. In particular, he noted that Turkish Airlines remains one of the strongest operators at present, and the government is in talks with Turkish authorities to further enhance their operations. Additionally, the Ministry is collaborating with various embassies to refine marketing strategies. Minister Thoriq concluded by advising all stakeholders within the tourism industry to stay attentive to the latest guidelines and instructions issued by the Ministry during this period.
