With ambitious reforms underway and growing momentum in visitor arrivals, the government is confident of reaching its USD 6 billion tourism revenue target by 2027, according to Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim.
The initiative is a central pillar of the Fifth Tourism Master Plan, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap to enhance the Maldives’ global appeal as a premier travel destination. In an interview with PSM News, Minister Thoriq highlighted the government’s focused efforts to bolster the country’s tourism economy through improved infrastructure and strategic connectivity.
Central to this growth strategy is the expansion and strengthening of both air and sea transportation networks. These improvements are designed to increase accessibility, facilitate smoother travel experiences for visitors, and accommodate greater passenger and cargo volumes. Minister Thoriq emphasized that these developments will directly support the overarching revenue goal and stimulate wider economic benefits through increased foreign exchange inflows and development opportunities.
The government is also working to expand the capacity of Velana International Airport, the main gateway to the Maldives, to handle more flights and efficiently manage a growing influx of international tourists. The plan includes increasing aircraft landings and improving airport operations to ensure a seamless visitor experience from arrival to departure.
This year, the Maldives is aiming to welcome a record 2.3 million tourists, a target that aligns with the broader revenue ambitions. Minister Thoriq announced that the country is on track to surpass the one million visitor milestone by this coming Saturday, demonstrating sustained demand for the Maldives’ unique blend of luxury, serenity, and natural allure.
At the core of this vision is the unwavering commitment of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, whose leadership has placed tourism development at the forefront of the national agenda. Under his presidency, the government has prioritized tourism promotion as a key economic driver, aligning policy frameworks with international market demands while staying true to the Maldives’ cultural and environmental heritage. President Dr. Muizzu’s administration continues to deliver on presidential pledges aimed at diversifying tourism offerings, strengthening sustainable practices, and creating new opportunities for local communities.
Minister Thoriq also issued a call to action for the Maldivian public, urging greater care for the environment, which remains one of the nation’s most treasured assets. Noting that approximately 80 percent of visitors come to experience the Maldives’ pristine natural beauty, he emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation.
“We must ensure that our development does not come at the cost of our fragile ecosystems,” he stated, underscoring the need for responsible tourism growth. “Our natural resources are not just attractions, they are the foundation of our tourism industry and national identity.”
As the Maldives continues to solidify its status as a world-class travel destination, the government’s forward-thinking policies and integrated development strategies are setting the stage for a stronger, more sustainable tourism sector, one that delivers prosperity while preserving the essence of what makes the Maldives truly unique.
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