The Maldives has been officially selected to lead the United Nations Tourism Commission for South Asia (CSA) for the 2025–2027 term, a recognition of the island nation’s growing leadership and contribution to regional tourism development.
The appointment was announced during the 60th meeting of the CSA, held alongside the 37th Joint Commission Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) in Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 15 to 16. The high-level event brought together representatives from 17 countries across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss key themes such as sustainable tourism, resilience, and inclusive development.
Representing the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, Minister of State for Tourism and Environment, chaired the 60th session of the CSA and co-chaired the joint commission meeting. In his remarks, Dr. Niyaz shared the Maldives’ vision for a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible tourism sector, guided by the policies of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
A focal point of his address was the government’s strategic direction to expand tourism to local inhabited islands. This initiative is designed to diversify visitor experiences and provide greater economic opportunities for Maldivians. Dr. Niyaz emphasized that connecting visitors with the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditional island life is essential for the future of the tourism industry.
Environmental protection continues to be at the forefront of the Maldives’ tourism policies. The State Minister reiterated the importance of preserving the natural beauty that draws millions of visitors each year, noting that sustainability remains a central value in national planning.
The Maldives’ appointment to chair the regional tourism commission comes at a time of remarkable growth. The country welcomed over 2 million tourists in 2024, and the Ministry of Tourism is forecasting 2.3 million arrivals by the end of 2025. This upward trajectory reflects international confidence in the Maldives as a destination and highlights the country’s proactive approach in shaping the region’s tourism landscape.
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