MMPRC partners with Emirates Airlines to promote Maldives

May 1, 2025, 5:19 AM
Tourism Ministry Photo.

Tourism Ministry Photo.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has signed an MoU with Emirates Airlines to promote Maldives.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday during the ongoing Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Under the MoU, Emirates will promote Maldives throughout its network, organize familiarization trips and run promotions in collaboration with the MMPRC.

Before signing the MoU, Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim met with Emirates Group Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Thoriq thanked the airline for its important role in connecting Maldives with the world and its contribution to the sustainability and development of the tourism industry.

He also noted the speed with which Emirates resumed services when the Maldives reopened its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Emirates is the largest international airline flying to Maldives. The airline operates five flights a day.

According to statistics from the tourism ministry, more than 339,000 tourists arrived in the Maldives with Emirates in 2024 alone.

In the first quarter of this year, more than 91,000 tourists arrived in the Maldives with Emirates.

Before the agreement with MMPRC, Emirates had also formed a partnership with the national airline, Maldivian, to develop the country's domestic travel network.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

EyeCare offers 20 percent discount to mark World Sight Day

To celebrate World Sight Day, EyeCare is offering a 20 percent discount on selected frames with the purchase of prescription lenses through October. Available at all outlets, the promotion aligns with the "Love Your Eyes" theme to encourage eye health. Professionals are on hand to help customers choose the best options for their lifestyle.

Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open to begin on December 13

Registration is open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open 2026, a badminton tournament running from December 13 to 19 in Malé. The event features various youth age groups and a Para category to foster local and international talent. Interested players must register by November 25 to compete in this endorsed sporting event.

MTCC has 6700 employees, most positions are contract-based

MTCC reports a workforce of 6,700 employees, with only 2,500 being permanent staff. Following a merger with the Road Development Corporation, the company’s headcount will grow by over 4,000, establishing a presence on every inhabited island. This expansion comes amid criticism over rapid hiring practices within state-owned enterprises.

Moody’s upgrades Maldives credit rating to Caa1

Moody’s has upgraded the Maldives' credit rating from Caa2 to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing a reduced risk of default after successful debt payments. While the upgrade restores the rating to previous levels, the agency warns of a rising budget deficit and a high debt-to-GDP ratio that remains above 100 percent.

Board appointed for new Awqaf Investment company

The Maldives has formed the board for Maldives Awqaf Investment, a new state-owned enterprise led by Chairperson Izzuddin Adnan. The company will manage mosque construction, renovations, and waqf property development through Shari’ah-compliant activities. It holds an authorized capital of MVR 100 million to ensure project sustainability.

Government revenue exceeds MVR 30 billion

The Maldivian government’s revenue surpassed MVR 30 billion, marking a slight increase over last year despite a slowdown in tourism-related tax growth. While tax revenue rose to MVR 23.8 billion, non-tax revenue saw a decline. Economic experts link the stagnation to a cooling tourism sector, which may impact year-end budgetary targets.

TGST declines due to low tourist arrivals

Maldives' state revenue is declining as Tourism Goods and Services Tax collections fell by MVR 110.5 million due to a drop in visitor arrivals. Disruptions in Middle Eastern air travel have slowed tourism momentum since the second quarter. It is now unlikely the country will meet its annual target of 2.4 million tourists.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox