The Indian market is very important for Maldivian tourism and Maldives will always welcome tourists from that country, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has said.

Speaking to the Press Trust of India (PTI) at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM) fair in Dubai, Minister Faisal said India and the Maldives have a long-standing relationship and India always helps the Maldives in whatever it needs.

The minister said the Maldives would welcome Indian tourists and its people and asked them to participate in Maldivian tourism.

“India is a country with a large population, so it is an important market for Maldivian tourism,” he said.

The minister said the Maldives promotes safety and security in tourism and Indian tourists will also be assured of such safety.

India, which had the highest number of tourists last year, is currently sixth on the list. The country has received 44,000 tourists so far this year from India.