Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has announced plans to develop ports for cruise liners in three regions of the Maldives to enhance the country’s cruise tourism sector.

Speaking on PSM's Raajje Miadhu programme, Minister Faisal highlighted that over 600 tourists arrived in the Maldives via cruise ships last year, with similar numbers recorded so far this year.

The minister noted that a regulation introduced by the previous government had created challenges for cruise liners to visit the country. However, the current administration has actively worked to resolve these issues to make the Maldives a more accessible and attractive destination for cruise tourism.

"We are conducting research and working on building jetties or harbours specifically for cruise liners in regions such as Laamu Atoll and Addu," Minister Faisal stated. These dedicated ports aim to improve access and encourage more cruise ships to visit the Maldives.

The Maldives Association for Yacht Agents (MAYA) has also revealed that 12 additional cruise ships are expected to visit the country by the end of the current tourism season.