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we see today. To this day an exponential growth has been recorded during recent years, with an increase of 1,389,542 tourist arrivals from all over the world by the end of 2017. To highlight these developments, the Government is undergoing a major project to expand the main international airport to accommodate the increase in airlines and flight frequency. AsO: Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in the Maldives now compared to its condition when the Company began? HM: During the 45 years of tourism in the Maldives, we have witnessed an incredibly successful growth of the overall industry. Due to the fact that the country is scattered over a thousand islands, accessibility has been a challenge.
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"...the biggest international brands have been welcomed into the country over the years, which has led to the attraction of the niche luxury market we welcome today"
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ASIA Today we have more than 11 domestic airports and a successful seaplane operation which is convenient and hassle-free for tourists to reach their final destination. Moreover, the biggest international brands have been welcomed into the country over the years, which has led to the attraction of the niche luxury market we welcome today. These developments have contributed to the overall growth of the tourism industry in the Maldives. AsO: What is in store for the Maldives over the course of 2018 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future? HM: The tourism industry is the largest sector contributing to the growth and development of the country, and together with the tourism
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