Business

MVR 50 mil budget to promote Maldives

State has once again allocated MVR 50 million to promote Maldives.

Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer had confirmed that the state budgetary plan for 2018 had allocated MVR 50 million for destination promotion. The 2017 budget had allocated the same amount as well.

"We believe this amount is sufficient for destination promotion. Apart from the state fixed budget we would acquire funding through several other means, this includes resorts," Zameer said.

He also assured several activities have been planned to promote tourism next year.

While state had allocated the budget of MVR 50 million for tourism and destination promotion for next year, tourism affiliated and promoting organizations such as Maldives Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents (MATATO) have claimed the amount would be insufficient.

The planned budget for destination and tourism promotion for the upcoming year may not be sufficient as 11 new resorts had opened last year and 25 resorts are expected to open before the current year's end. State had also assured that 50 new resorts will open before the current regime's term end.