The Italian-flagged cruise liner AIDA, which is carrying 2,139 holidaymakers, has arrived in the Maldives. On 8th December 2024, the ship, which serves tourists from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, landed in the Maldives from Muscat, Oman. Since the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA) requested regulatory modifications, this is the first time a cruise ship has visited the country.
It is anticipated that the arrival of the AIDA will significantly strengthen the local economy. Numerous local businesses, such as eateries, gift shops, dhoni, lodging facilities, and retail stores in Malé and Hulhumalé, will benefit from the surge of tourists. It is projected that this increase in tourism would greatly aid in the sector’s expansion and strengthen the Maldives’ standing as one of the region’s top cruise destinations.
The Maldives’ ongoing efforts to broaden and diversify our tourism services are highlighted by the introduction of AIDA. This development is expected to boost foreign reserves in addition to the local economy, which will support the nation’s overall economic expansion. After its brief but significant stop, the ship was to leave the Maldives on 9th December 2024, at 6 PM.
Despite international hurdles, the Maldives’ tourism industry is nonetheless thriving. This milestone follows the Maldives’ recent successes, which include being named the World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time and the WTA’s World’s Leading Destination for the fifth year in a row. This new era of cruise tourism paves the way for more trips, which will benefit the local economy and the sector as a whole.
