With the Plan for opening the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) by 26th July 2025, presents a significant opportunity for the Maldives to increase tourist arrivals and air traffic. However, infrastructure alone isn't enough - it must be complemented by strategic efforts across aviation, tourism, diplomacy, and marketing. What are the plans set forth and how can the industry contribute?

The new terminal at VIA is a game-changer. However, its success depends on more than just infrastructure. The Maldives tourism industry must align efforts through increased route development, streamlined on-arrival-visa and immigration processes, stronger global marketing campaigns by all industry participants, and elevated service standards. Collaboration between airlines, tourism properties, tour operators, and government bodies will be key to turning this opportunity into sustained super-growth for Maldivian tourism!

It's truly an exciting time for the Maldives. With the new terminal set to open, it is crucial that all stakeholders come together and collaborate more effectively to maximize this opportunity. We need to proactively engage with current legacy airlines to discuss expansion of flight frequencies to the Maldives, especially during our off-peak periods. MMPRC can work closely with these airlines to promote additional flights through targeted marketing campaigns in each market. Innovative incentives like raffling holidays for every additional flight could be a strategic move to attract more traffic and build long-term customer loyalty. Furthermore, we should collaborate with domestic airlines to improve connectivity and streamline slot allocations. This will help minimize passengers' time at the airport, creating a smoother travel experience. In parallel, engaging with private sector operators running speedboat networks is essential to ensure seamless multi-modal transport options. It is also vital for MMPRC, MACL, and the Ministry of Tourism to work in tandem with local and international agencies. Together, they can develop robust marketing strategies to promote the Maldives across key regions CIS, Europe, Asia, Middle East and beyond. A large-scale marketing campaign should be launched to showcase that our airport infrastructure is fully equipped to handle the influx of visitors and the 65,000 beds waiting to welcome them. Lastly, integrating advanced technology into the arrival and departure processes will significantly enhance the passenger experience, making it more relaxed, efficient, and enjoyable. This collective effort will position the Maldives as a premier, accessible, and well-connected destination for travelers worldwide.

With the new VIA terminal set to open in July 2025, the Maldives has a unique opportunity to position itself not just as a destination, but as a strategic transit and tourism hub in the Indian Ocean. Through our marketing initiatives, we are advancing route development, building airline partnerships, and crafting a brand that resonates emotionally with global audiences. To fully capitalize on this momentum, we must tap into the transit passenger market, expand outbound travel offerings, and embrace collaboration over competition with regional destinations. Just as the UAE has built economic strength by connecting global travelers, the Maldives is now poised to evolve into a powerful regional connector - and this is only the beginning of a much broader vision.