Arrivals at Malé International Airport
THE Maldives has adjusted downwards its arrivals target of 1.5 million to 1.4 million this year, matching last year’s goal, with tourism minister Moosa Zameer attributing the lowered expectations to political unrests.
The country, which largely depends on tourism revenue, has been rocked by opposition protests over the past several months
Deputy tourism minister Hussain Lirar told TTG Asia in late August that Brexit and the deteriorating Chinese economy has been a drag on tourism as well.
The combined setback has put the brakes on the major Visit Maldives Year campaign promotions and publicity.
Total arrivals in January-July showed marginal 2.3 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2015 to 730,353 visitors. Meanwhile, visitors from China, the country’s largest source market, has fallen 11.6 per cent to 194,220.
