The one millionth tourist to visit the Maldives this year was warmly welcomed at the Velana International Airport on Sunday morning.
Russian tourist Anton Pavlov, who arrived on a British Airways flight, was greeted by Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom and Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed.
Pavlov was accompanied by his partner Anastasia Klinsky and their child. The family is spending their holiday at the Vakkaru Maldives resort.
Briefing the media at the airport, Mausoom said it was a historic day as the country was welcoming the millionth tourist of the year on the third anniversary of reopening borders after the covid-19 pandemic.
"The path has now been paved to reach the target we set for this year. Despite counting the number of tourists this year, the government is focusing more on the benefits from tourism to the public and the state," the minister said.
The arrivals target has been revised upwards, he said, referring to remarks made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih last night
"The vision today is bringing 1.9 million tourists to the Maldives by the end of this year. God willing, we will do that," said Solih, who was campaigning in Meemu atoll.
Tourist arrivals are 13.6 percent higher compared to last year, according to statistics released by the tourism ministry.
India has been the largest source market for tourists this year followed by Russia and the United Kingdom.
