President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government is closely monitoring the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on the Maldives' tourism industry and is actively discussing support measures with key stakeholders.

Speaking at a press briefing, President Muizzu stated that a special cabinet committee, established specifically to address the repercussions of the regional crisis, is currently studying the situation. The President noted that the conflict has created significant challenges for the nation’s primary economic driver, particularly due to disruptions in transit routes and a decline in arrivals from key markets.

“The special cabinet committee set up in response to the Middle East conflict is closely monitoring the situation and studying the impact on the tourism sector,” President Muizzu stated. He emphasized that the government is engaged in continuous dialogue with industry stakeholders and relevant authorities to understand the full extent of the damage.

The President's recent remarks were made subsequent to a joint statement released by key industry organizations, specifically the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM). The associations warned that the sector has suffered losses exceeding USD 500 million since March, with tourist arrivals dropping by 15 to 20 percent compared to the same period last year. 

The downturn has been largely attributed to the closure of air corridors and high tensions in the Middle East, which serve as vital transit hubs for travelers heading to the Maldives.

President Muizzu assured that the government is committed to finding solutions to mitigate these external shocks. “We will determine what the government can do to assist after all monitoring and discussions are completed,” he said, adding that research conducted by the ministerial committee will guide the implementation of specific relief measures.

Potential support options being explored include financial facilities for struggling businesses, diversifying tourism markets, and exploring alternative flight routes to reduce reliance on affected regions.

As the situation evolves, the administration remains focused on ensuring the resilience of the tourism industry, which accounts for the vast majority of the Maldives' foreign exchange earnings and employment.