China's Xiamen Airlines has launched charter flights to Maldives as China becomes the top source market for Maldives tourism.
Xiamen Air's first charter flight landed at Velana International Airport (VIA) today with 236 passengers. The flight was warmly welcomed in the Maldives.
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal and Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Managing Director Fathimath Thaufeeq attended an event at VIA to welcome the tourists onboard the Xiamen Air flight.
The tourists were welcomed with a water salute and flowers were distributed to the tourists.
The flight was warmly welcomed in the Maldives. -- Photo: MACL
With the launch of flights from Xiamen Air, the number of airlines flying from China to Maldives has reached four. Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines also operate flights to the Maldives.
After his state visit to China last month, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu appealed for China to become the top source market for tourists to the Maldives.
"China was our number one market pre-covid, and it is my request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position," President Muizzu said.
The government's target for 2024 is a record two million visitors. The number of Chinese tourists arriving in Maldives stood at 40,892 as of February 13 which is 13.9 percent of the total arrivals.
