Maldives welcomes one millionth tourist of 2022; Daniela Kilnarova

Maldives, on Friday, welcomed the one millionth tourist for the year 2022; a Czech Republic national.

Daniela Kilnarova arrived at Velana International Airport on a Qatar Airways’ flight this morning. Her stay in the Maldives will be at Robinson Club Noonu Resort.

This is her third time visiting the island destination. Her first visit was over 10 years ago. Kilnarova said that she repeatedly visits Maldives as it is the most relaxing destination.

“Arriving here after many days since COVID. It is a very relaxing environment,” she had said.

At the grand ceremony held at Velana International Airport to welcome the one millionth tourist for the year – Kilnarova was presented special gifts by Tourism Ministry, MACL and MMPRC.

Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister for Tourism Mohamed Solih said that the government’s aim to reach 1.6 million tourists this year will be achieved by October or November.

Also speaking at the ceremony, MMPRC’s Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed said that reaching one millionth tourist milestone around mid-year is a significant improvement.

“Maldives welcomed one millionth tourist whilst competing destinations across the world reopen, heavily market with bundles of people traveling them is a very big achievement,” he had said.

MACL’s Managing Director Mahjoob Shujau said that number of daily tourist arrivals and flights is still increasing day by day. He added that infrastructural changes necessary to the airport in light of this are currently being undertaken.

In this regard, he said the new runway will be inaugurated and brought into use ahead of the commencement of impending peak season. He stressed this would significantly improve the operations of the airport.

Statistics by Tourism Ministry show that the most number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives this year so far was from India – making up 14.3 percent of total arrivals.