A nationwide celebration greeted international visitors as they arrived in the Maldives on World Tourism Day, with special welcoming events organized at all major entry points, including Velana International Airport and regional airports. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment in partnership with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), underscored the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its cultural richness.
World Tourism Day, celebrated globally on September 27 since 1980, was marked in the Maldives with activities embracing this year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. The event brought together cultural performances, traditional music, and local hospitality to highlight the Maldives’ unique heritage while emphasizing the importance of sustainable travel practices.
Speaking to PSM News, MACL’s Chief Commercial Officer Mohamed Mihad emphasized that the initiative extended beyond the main international gateway. “On the occasion of World Tourism Day, MACL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, is conducting activities incorporating cultural elements to welcome tourists to the Maldives. Regional airports also play a key role in the Maldivian transport network, transferring tourists to various resorts. Around 18 percent of visitors arriving at Velana International Airport travel onwards via regional airports. Therefore, the same event is also being conducted at regional airports,” Mihad said.
The initiative not only showcased the Maldives’ vibrant local culture but also served as a symbolic gesture of appreciation toward the tourists who contribute to the nation’s economy. Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods and driving growth in infrastructure and services across the atolls.
As of now, tourist arrivals in the Maldives have reached an impressive milestone of 1.5 million visitors in 2025. The country is steadily progressing towards its ambitious annual target of welcoming 2.3 million visitors by the end of the year. On World Tourism Day itself, over 7,000 tourists were expected to arrive, further cementing the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations.
The cultural celebration not only commemorated World Tourism Day but also highlighted the collaborative efforts between government authorities and the aviation sector to promote sustainable tourism practices and offer travelers an unforgettable first impression. With initiatives like these, the Maldives continues to reinforce its global reputation, not just as a haven of natural beauty, but also as a destination committed to preserving its environment and cultural identity for generations to come.
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