English-language Newspaper in the Maldives

Maldives Experiences Record-Breaking Touri Numbers

The Maldives has set a new record for touri, with over 1.7 million visitors in 2019. This represents a 14.7% increase from the previous year and demonstrates the popularity of the island nation as a holiday destination. The Maldives government has invested heavily in promoting touri, and this has resulted in the growth of the industry and an increase in the number of resorts and hotels.

New Maldives Airport Opened

The Velana International Airport was officially opened in 2018, and it has been a major factor in the growth of touri in the Maldives. The modern facility can handle up to 7.5 million passengers per year and has helped to improve the overall travel experience for visitors to the Maldives. The airport is also an important hub for connecting flights to other destinations in the region.

Climate Change Poses Threat to the Maldives

The Maldives is a low-lying island nation that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching are all threats to the Maldives' unique ecosystem, which is made up of coral reefs and lagoons. The government of the Maldives has been proactive in addressing these issues and has set a goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2020.

Maldives Celebrate Independence Day

The Maldives marked its 54th Independence Day on July 26th, 2019. The day was celebrated with parades, cultural events, and fireworks displays across the country. Independence Day is an important occasion for the people of the Maldives, as it marks the country's separation from the United Kingdom in 1965.

New Maldives Underwater Restaurant Opens

The Maldives is known for its stunning natural beauty, and a new attraction has been added to the list of must-see destinations. The world's first underwater restaurant, 'Ithaa,' has opened in the Maldives and offers diners the opportunity to enjoy a meal surrounded by marine life. The restaurant can seat up to 14 people and serves modern European cuisine. It's a unique dining experience that's sure to be on the bucket list of many visitors to the Maldives.

Maldives Hosts International Surfing Competition

The Maldives' warm waters and stunning surf breaks make it a popular destination for surfers from around the world. In 2019, the Maldives hosted the first-ever International Surfing Association (ISA) event, which saw surfers from 26 countries compete in the waves off the island of Kasabu. The event was a huge success and demonstrated the potential of the Maldives as a destination for water sports.

Maldives Launches Coral Restoration Project

The Maldives' coral reefs are under threat from climate change and pollution, but the government is taking steps to protect them. In 2019, the Maldives launched a coral restoration project that will involve planting new coral and creating artificial reefs that will provide habitat for marine life. The project is a collaboration between the Maldives government and several international organizations and is an important step towards protecting the Maldives' unique ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Maldives is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors the opportunity to experience a different way of life. The government's investment in promoting touri has paid off, with a record number of visitors in 2019. However, the country's vulnerability to the effects of climate change means that there are challenges ahead. Nevertheless, the Maldives continues to innovate and attract visitors with new attractions and events, ensuring that it remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.