Male’, Maldives, 15th February 2024 – In a momentous occasion, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, has welcomed the first direct flight from Fujian Province, China, to the Maldives. A special ceremony held at Velana International Airport marked the joyous event, commemorating the arrival of Xiamen Airlines flight MF8017 carrying tourists from Fujian to the Maldives.
Upon arrival, the tourists were greeted with a vibrant traditional BoduBeru performance and presented with special gift packs, including flowers. Dignitaries attending the event included His Excellency Ambassador Wang Lixin, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Maldives, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, and other government enterprises and tourism associations in the Maldives.
China has long been a crucial market for the Maldives tourism industry, and the resumption of direct flights from China to the Maldives on January 18, 2023, significantly contributed to tourist arrivals last year. With over 187,125 tourists from China visiting the Maldives, it solidified its place as one of the top three source markets for the Maldives. Notably, earlier this year on January 19, the Maldives welcomed the first direct flight from Hong Kong since 2020, which has led to a significant increase in Chinese visitors to the destination. Moreover, the Maldives achieved a milestone of the highest number of tourist arrivals in a single day on February 12, 2024, largely due to the growing number of tourists from China, reclaiming its position as the leading source market for the Maldives.
MMPRC continues to promote the Maldives as the premier destination in the Chinese market through strategic marketing endeavors. With last year’s highest-ever tourist arrivals surpassing 1.8 million visitors, MMPRC has planned numerous activities for the Chinese market this year, including e-learning campaigns, digital promotions on leading Chinese apps, outdoor marketing initiatives, joint promotional campaigns, familiarization trips, social media campaigns, and active participation in fairs and exhibitions.
The inauguration of direct flights from Fujian Province to the Maldives and the targeted marketing activities in the Chinese market are expected to contribute positively to the Maldives tourism industry and further enhance the Maldives’ position as the top-of-the-mind destination for Chinese travelers.
