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The Republic of Maldives celebrated its 40th year in tourism with a record start of the year. Tourist arrivals in February passed 100,000 arrivals, just in a month for the first time followed by a growth of 30.1 per cent in March compared to the same period in 2012.
Tourism in the Maldives contributes approximately 35 per cent to the country’s GDP with the destination being home to 108 exclusive resorts, 19 hotels, 81 guest houses and 160 safari vessels/liveaboards. In addition, 28,392 beds have been developed, all of which constitute to a billion dollar industry.
In a bid to support and encourage such growth, the infrastructure has also seen recent changes. The Hanimaadhoo International Airport, located in the north, and Maamigili International Airport in Central Maldives opened this year in February increasing the number of international airports to four. In addition, three new domestic airports also came into operation, bringing the total number to five with more currently at various stages of development. These plans are aimed at enhancing visitor experience and to pave way for new market segments.
The Tourism Ministry has also announced the Fourth Tourism Master Plan which is being reviewed before final endorsement by the ministry and adoption by the government. The Plan will guide the tourism development for the next five years. Key areas of focus in the Plan include further development as currently only 102 are home to hotels and resorts out of approximately 1,100 islands.
To continue in its commitment to strengthen its tourism sector, the republic made a debut on the global travel map by hosting the Indian Ocean regional category in the World Travel Awards 2013 at the Paradise Island Resort and Spa.
Maldivian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor said: “’Maldives...the sunny side of life’ was proud to be hosting the World Travel Awards Regional Category. This is the first time a travel event of such high calibre is being hosted in the Maldives. It is an honour to be hosting such a prestigious event especially in a significant year to the tourism industry of the Maldives as it celebrates the 40th year of tourism.”
He further explained that by hosting the Awards in the Maldives, the ministry aimed to raise the profile of the destination even further. He also commented that it would act as an opportunity to diversify the product segments to develop event based tourism in the Maldives and an assurance to the travel trade that the country is ready for event based tourism in a luxury and private setting.
The industry’s elite, including CEOs, SVPs of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourist board chiefs, met in the Maldives to witness the presentation of awards in 58 categories amidst a gala ceremony. The destination itself was nominated for 30 different categories and scooped over 15 wins in the Indian Ocean category alone including Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination and Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination.
http://www.ttnworldwide.com/articles.aspx?ID=2055&artID=14178
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