Maintaining peace and stability in the Maldives remains crucial to sustainable tourism in the archipelago, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said Wednesday.
President Yameen, in his address on the occasion of World Tourism Day, appealed to all Maldivians to work together in maintaining the good reputation achieved by Maldives in the tourism industry.
In his message, the President commended the Maldives’ tourism sector for the numerous milestones attained in a short period, which he said that every Maldivian must celebrate with pride.
The President has also underscored the various work being carried out by the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and private organizations in promoting the country’s tourism sector, and expressed his gratitude to everyone contributing to the advancement of the industry.
Highlighting this year's theme for World Tourism Day; “Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development”, President Yameen pointed out the significance of the message for the Maldives, in promoting its tourism industry.
He also underlined the measures being taken by the government in ensuring the most beneficial approach for the people, through the tourism industry. In this regard, the President noted the government's commitment to encourage small and medium enterprises in the industry.
Additionally, the President expressed his hopes to inaugurate 50 resorts during his term, to cater for the increasing number of tourists visiting the Maldives.
Furthermore, the President described transportation from one island to another as the major barrier in the expansion of the tourism industry, and noted that the administration has initiated foreign investment opportunities in establishing and upgrading domestic airports, in order to resolve the issue.
