President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the government's aim is to reach 1.8 million tourist arrivals this year.

During his Presidential Address today, the President highlighted that the previous year was a good year for tourism in the Maldives. He noted that while the government aimed to reach 1.6 million tourists by the end of last year, the year closed with more arrivals than they had targeted.

President Solih revealed that the government is aiming for 1.8 million tourist arrivals this year, adding that the month of January closed with 172,536 tourist arrivals which mark an increase of 31 percent in comparison to the same period last year.

The President also stated that 16,758 new beds have been added to the industry during the current administration, stressing that the expansion of tourism to the North and South begins with the development of Hanimadhoo and Gan International Airports. He also added that while those projects are nearing completion, works have already begun to add new beds to the regions.

Addu Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Projet and five resorts being developed in Addu are part of this project according to the President, in addition to islands that are being leased from the North.