Maldives Tourism Looks Better than Expected

Having previously forecasted a 15% decline in the number of tourists visiting the Maldives in 2009, owing to the global financial crisis, the Maldivian Tourist Board has adjusted their grim prediction to only a 10% decrease.

Maldives Tourism Minister

Dr. Sawad, Tourism Minister, spoke at a conference in the Maldives this week, describing how tourist arrivals had been good during the months of June and July, typically considered some of the lowest months of the year.  “Based on what we’re seeing now and the current trends, we believe about 632,600 tourists will visit the Maldives this year,” said Dr. Sawad.  He also said they would revise the figures again within a couple of months.

Stimulating Maldives Tourism

Efforts have been made by hotels, resorts and operators in the Maldives, which have helped lessen the blow of the global downturn and have had a positive effect on Maldives tourism.  Special offers from leading companies in the country have helped make tourists spend longer in the Maldives.  Ibrahim Saeed, from Soneva Fushi stated that they have a high occupancy rate and have received many last-minute bookings.  Bandos Resort is also maintaining a good occupancy: around 70-percent.

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