Marketing and Public Relations Corporation Maldives (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) welcomed the first direct flight from Fujian, China to the Maldives. A special ceremony was held today at Velana International Airport to mark this joyful occasion, marking the arrival of Xiamen Airlines flight MF8017, carrying tourists from Fujian province to the Maldives.
Tourists were greeted with a colorful traditional Boduberu performance and presented with a special gift set including flowers. Dignitaries present at the event included the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Maldives, His Excellency Ambassador Wang Lixin; and representatives of the Ministry of Tourism; Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL); Maldives Immigration Service; Maldives Customs Service; and other government-owned enterprises and tourism associations in the Maldives.
China has long been the most important market for the Maldives tourism industry. The resumption of direct flights from China to the Maldives on 18 January 2023 contributed greatly to the increase in tourist numbers last year, with the Maldives receiving more than 187,125 Chinese tourists, cementing its place as one of the Maldives' top three source markets. Notably, earlier this year, on 19 January, we welcomed the first direct flight from Hong Kong to the Maldives since 2020, contributing to a significant increase in the number of Chinese visitors to our destination. The Maldives also achieved a record for the highest number of tourist arrivals in a single day on 12 February 2024.
MMPRC has consistently promoted the Maldives as a leading destination in the Chinese market through strategic marketing efforts. Last year, the Maldives reached its highest tourist numbers ever, exceeding 1.8 million visitors. This year, MMPRC has planned numerous activities for the Chinese market, including an e-learning campaign, digital promotion of leading Chinese applications, outdoor marketing initiatives, joint advertising campaigns, study tours, social media campaigns, and active participation in fairs and exhibitions.
The introduction of direct flights from Fujian to the Maldives and targeted marketing activities in the Chinese market will undoubtedly make a positive contribution to the tourism industry of the Maldives and will further strengthen the position of the Maldives as a popular destination for Chinese travelers.
Source: visitmaldives
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