President-elect Mohamed Muizzu has said that his administration will try to finish the work of the Velana International Airport (VIA) by the peak season of 2024.

Speaking at the Hotelier Maldives General Managers Forum at Bandos Resort, Muizzu said the most important thing to develop the tourism industry in the Maldives within the next five years is the completion of the new terminal. He said he would work with financiers and contractors to do so.

He said the country's air transport system would be expanded by developing a seaplane hub in the south and including domestic airports to increase tourist arrivals to resorts and guesthouses.

Maldives should recognize the challenges to maintain the market leadership in the world and work to maintain the top position in the world tourism industry, he said.

Therefore, he hopes to expand the distribution of tourism benefits and make the industry beneficial to every Maldivian, he said. He said he would give priority to ensuring the health of the employees, ensuring a good salary for the work and increasing the time available to the employees to spend with their families.