Yesterday, Maldives reached yet another milestone in tourism: 100,000th post-lockdown tourist arrived in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
According to Maldives' tourism promotion agency Visit Maldives, the 100,000th tourist was identified as Ms Jasmin Burki from Switzerland, who arrived at Maldives' Velana International Airport yesterday via Emirates.
Upon arrival, Jasmin was escorted outside by officials from Visit Maldives and Maldives Immigration, where she was greeted by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Managing Director of Visit Maldives, Controller General of Immigration and the CEO of Velana International Airport.
Jasmin's duo posed for pictures by the Official Jetty at Velana International Airport. Later she was gifted mementos to commemmorate the occasion, and Visit Maldives' chief Thoyyib Mohamed presented her a special Holiday Voucher.
"What a day! I was tourist no. 100,000 today since Maldives reopened on July 15th. I was warmly welcomed by the Ministry of Tourism, MMPRC, Maldives Immigration and Maldives Airports Company Limited. There were many photos and interviews, and I've been showered with presents ever since. Thank you for the hospitality!" Jasmin expressed her delight on her LinkedIn.
Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism said Maldive surpassed 100,000 post-lockdown tourists far ahead of projections, and that it is really encouraging.
"This achievement is the outcome of a unified #MaldivesApproach to a global challenge," said the Minister.
Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of Visit Maldives said, "I am beyond thrilled to welcome the 100,000th visitor to the sunny side of life, today. This is indeed, the success of joint efforts and collaborations with everyone working in the tourism industry. Our teamwork ensured that we reached this stage during such challenging times. I would like to assure everyone that Maldives is one of the safest countries to visit right now and that we will work strategicaly in order for it to remain on top of the preferred tourist destinations."
Maldives was awarded World Trade Awards 2020's highest honor, World's Leading Destination this year, adding more leverage into the small island nation's tourism excellence and stringest safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maldives aims to welcome 500,000 tourists this year, a downgraded target opposed to the usual million and over. This a target is projected to be reached within a week's time.
However, the Minister of Tourism is optimistic that 1.5 million tourists arrivals can be achieved by the Maldives next year.
