Tourism Minister meets with the Managing Director of Kuoni Travel

Male’, 2 May 2008: Newly appointed Managing Director of the leading specialist tour operator of UK Kuoni Travel Limited, Mr. Nick Hughes met with Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Hughes applauded that the Maldives has retained its Number 1 position as the favourite long haul destination both for 2007 and going forward to 2008. Mr. Hughes emphasizes the initiatives implemented by the Government for the rapid development of tourism in the Maldives and noted that the Maldives has attained prestige and recognition in this sector.

Furthermore, Mr. Hughes mentions that Kuoni travels is more focused on tailor made holidays targeted for super premium market. In this regards he briefed the meetings held between Sri Lankan Airlines to negotiate their proposal to operate Sri Lankan Airline’s direct flight to Male’ from London 3-4 times a week.

Currently Sri Lankan Airlines operates a Colombo-Male-London-Male-Colombo flight twice a week. Mr. Hughes highlighted that this increase in the frequency of Sri Lankan Airlines to Male’ direct from London would enable Kuoni to offer a quality airline service in their
holiday packages.

During the meeting the Tourism Minister, Dr. Shaugee emphasized on the importance of Kuoni Travels to the Maldives tourism and thanked Kuoni for their effort to promote Maldives to the British travelers. He also briefed Mr. Hughes on the current tourism development.

The meeting was attended by the senior officials of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board.

The Maldives attracted a record number of 675,889 visitors during 2007. The United Kingdom ranked top in 2007 among the source markets with a total arrival of 125,158 visitors, which is a growth of 15.9% compared to 2006.