President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has inaugurated the “Visit Maldives Year 2016” activities during a function held at Dharubaaruge on Wednesday evening. The main aim of “Visit Maldives Year 2016” is to achieve 1.5 million tourist arrivals to the country in the year 2016. The Government and the tourism industry have planned various activities to be carried out throughout the year.
Speaking at the launch function, Minister of Tourism Hon. Moosa Zameer stated that the introduction of tourism in 1972 had greatly improved Maldivian lives. Additionally, he highlighted that the past two years had seen the industry win several prestigious awards. The Minister further stated that, because tourism was the major occupation in the Maldives, the actions taken by those attempting to boycott the industry should not be given any such opportunity.
Speaking at the function, the Leader of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed stated that, since duties were no longer imposed on resort construction materials, there was more scope to develop and build resorts whereby creating even more jobs for the youth. He also stated that those employed in tourism were the most important asset to the sector.
The function was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Members of the People’s Majlis and other Senior Officials of the Government.
