Ministers,
Respected Business leaders,
Esteemed Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Assaalaam alaikum and a good afternoon!
I’m pleased to stand before you today as we come together to deepen and strengthen the profound bond between our two nations—Maldives and India—especially through the vibrant lens of tourism.
Tourism is not just about travel—it is about building bridges, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting peaceful coexistence among nations.
Today, I want to reflect on how the Maldives and India can seize this shared opportunity to further elevate our partnership.
This year alone, we have welcomed close to 100,000 Indian visitors to our islands, an impressive testament to the growing connection between our two countries.
India has been among the top source markets for the Maldives, underscoring the strength of our ties—rooted in geography, culture, and friendship. But we have the potential to reach even greater heights, unlocking new possibilities that benefit both nations.
The Maldives has proudly held the title of the World’s Leading Destination for four consecutive years. This accolade is a reflection of the trust that travellers from all corners of the globe continue to place in our nation.
Our pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and unmatched hospitality have been the cornerstone of our success—and India has been a key partner in this journey.
For many Indian travellers, the Maldives has become not just a destination, but a haven where they can unwind, recharge, and create cherished memories.
As we look to the future, we see an opportunity to evolve this partnership. Indian travellers are increasingly seeking new and diverse experiences, and we are ready to meet this demand with niche segments such as ecotourism, wellness tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism and film tourism. The Bollywood industry can use the Maldives natural beauty as their preferred place to setup and produce their films. So, I welcome the Bollywood industry to choose Maldives for film tourism.
These areas hold immense value for Indian visitors, and we are committed to providing unique, enriching experiences that go beyond the traditional.
To support this growth, we are making significant investments in infrastructure that will make travel to and from the Maldives more seamless than ever. The transformation of Velana International Airport and Hanimaadhoo International Airport, set to be completed by next year, is central to this vision.
These developments will not only expand our capacity but also enhance the overall visitor experience, cementing the Maldives as a premier travel hub in the region.
For those of you considering investment opportunities, I want to assure you that the Maldives is ripe with potential for tourism-related ventures. Whether it is developing luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, or integrated tourism projects, the Maldives offers a wealth of opportunities aligned with our vision of diversification and sustainable growth.
We have established special economic zones tailored to attract significant investments for the Maldives. Recently, the Maldives Parliament passed a new Foreign Investment Act. Our efforts towards digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence, will significantly simplify your travel arrangements, facilitate seamless remote work during your journeys, and ensure smooth financial transactions, among other benefits.
We are particularly focused on promoting regional development beyond the capital. Our ambitious plans to develop 6,000 new beds in Addu City and more than 10,000 beds in Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu over the next five years are a testament to our commitment to inclusive growth.
Additionally, the northern region, with the new Hanimaadhoo International Airport, holds tremendous promise for tourism development.
Escape to the Maldives, a tropical paradise is just a short flight away from Mumbai. We offer the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, for those seeking relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, enjoying a sunset cruise, or simply unwinding in an overwater villa, the Maldives promises an unforgettable experience.
Increasing the frequency of direct flights between our two countries, will further contribute to increasing people-to-people contact, and direct commercial and cultural connectivity.
Sustainability lies at the core of our vision for the future. As we face the challenges of climate change, we are determined to prove that tourism can be a force for good. By uplifting communities and protecting fragile ecosystems, we aim to create a model where tourism, community well-being, and conservation coexist in harmony.
When you invest in the Maldives, you are not only contributing to our tourism sector but also championing a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Our growth strategy is deeply rooted in ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all Maldivian people. Public-private-community partnerships are central to this vision, and Indian companies, with their rich history of community engagement, have a vital role to play in this collaborative effort.
Together, we can create opportunities that drive economic prosperity, uplift our island communities, and make tourism a true vehicle for positive change.
Through continued cooperation in tourism, investment, and community engagement, I am confident that we will not only strengthen our partnership but also build a brighter, more prosperous future for both our nations.
Thank you.