Minister Nahula: Strides achieved in the recovery of tourism and civil aviation post-pandemic

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Fathimath Nahula has stated that the civil aviation industry and the tourism industry of Maldives have achieved strides as both industries are recovering from the blows it took due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a high-level conference hosted by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding the COVID-19 pandemic – Minister Nahula said that the majority of the jobs in the Maldives are dependent on the civil aviation industry.

 “Over 73,000 jobs are dependent on the civil aviation industry. The blow to the industry affecting other matters was clearly evident,” she had said.

Minister Nahula said as the country recovers from the pandemic – its economical industries are making strides as well. On this note, she added that the government was doing everything possible to reinstate both the civil aviation and tourism industry to pre-pandemic levels.

“Our hope is to see the arrival of 1.3 million tourists by the end of this year. This will be a 76 percent increase compared to normal,” she added.

Minister Nahula further detailed that many easements have been given to air travel in the Maldives. On this note – she underscored that over 90 percent of the employees working in the civil aviation and the tourism sector are fully vaccinated.

Speaking further – she highlighted the efforts underway in the Maldives to recover from the pandemic. Minister Nahula added that the pandemic had taught many lessons.