Maldives welcomes 1.5 millionth tourist of 2019

The Maldives welcomed the 1.5 millionth tourist of the year on Sunday, reaching the government’s target of arrivals for 2019.

Marina Kazakova from Russia was welcomed at the Velana International Airport with a ceremony featuring cultural dances and a boduberu (traditional drums) performance.

The target for 2020 is two million visitors, Tourism Minister Ali Waheed said at the ceremony, attributing the tourism boom to marketing efforts and political stability since the new administration took office in November last year.