President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that tourist arrivals are expected to reach 2 million this year, and that new airlines will commence service to Maldives as well.

Delivering the Presidential address at the opening of the Parliament this morning, the President said the future of Maldives looks very bright.

"Tourism, which is the largest contributor to Maldives' productivity, is expected to attract two million tourists for the first time this year," the President said.

The President said the number of tourists arriving in the Maldives will increase by 10.3 percent in the medium term with the completion of the Vellana International Airport development project this year.

"We see tourism as an important part of the overall economy diversification. To achieve this, we are working to increase long haul routes by directly connecting new markets and the Maldives," he said.

The President said the introduction of new tourism products is under the supervision of the Visitor Economy Council and these changes are expected to boost the tourism sector as well as construction, real estate, and transportation in the coming years.

The President added that Maldives' GDP is expected to grow by 5.5 percent this year with an average of 7.1 percent per annum in the medium term.

Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has said that the country is targeting to attract 2.3 million tourists this year if the Chinese and Indian markets are maintained.