Tourism industry contemplates 40th anniversary celebrations

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has announced plans for a year-long programme of events to mark 40 years since the country’s resort industry was first founded.

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture Mohamed Maleeh Jamal has told local media that the fortieth anniversary of the country’s first resort opening in October will herald a series of celebratory events around the country.

Jamal told Haveeru that the exact nature of these plans had not yet been decided on, but claimed discussions were ongoing on how best to commemorate the founding of the country’s travel industry. The celebrations will be marked as the industry this year commits itself to a plan of welcoming one million annual tourist arrivals to the country.

“Boosting tourist arrivals to one million is part of the preparations to celebrate World Tourism Day and there is a lot more to see yet,” he told the newspaper.

Maldives Kurumbaa Village was originally opened on October 3, 1972, becoming the first resort property in the Maldives, according to Haveeru. The number of isolated island resorts has since grown to over 100 properties, which represent some of the world’s largest and most prestigious multinational hospitality groups as well as local operators.

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