Xiamen Air has decided to start direct flights from China to the Maldives, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revealed.

Speaking to reporters after arriving in the Maldives this evening following a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the President said many discussions were held at the highest level to increase tourist arrivals from China to the Maldives.

"The airline has scheduled to start direct flights to Maldives this spring. Xiamen to Male, and Male to Xiamen. In addition, various destinations will be added," he said.

The President said he would be able to further expand the marketing of Maldivian tourism to Chinese tourists, adding that efforts were in order to increase the number of Chinese tourists coming to the Maldives twice as many as before the outbreak, at most within the next two years.

Before the outbreak, the largest number of tourists visiting the Maldives came from China. However, the largest number of tourists visiting the Maldives now come from India.