“Agadir became one of Morocco’s first holiday
Maldives makes tourism ‘a priority’
April Hutchinson
The Maldives (AS140) has placed its 2019 tourism marketing plans on hold as it awaits the arrival of its new government on November 17. President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, representing the Maldivian Democratic party, is preparing to assume power, as the troublesome reign of president Abdulla Yameen comes to an end.
Solih will be sworn in as only the Maldives’ fourth president since it transitioned to democracy in 2008, following previous years of monarchical and authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, previously deposed president Mohamed Nasheed who had been living in exile, has been given a hero’s welcome back into the country.
“We are a young democracy and have never had a president take a
“There will be a pause as the new government settles in, but we know they will be making tourism a priority.” The Maldives is on target to reach 1.4 million tourists by the end of the year.
Velana International airport
second term in this time, so we are used to change,” explained Ahmed Shiaan, Maldivian ambassador to the UK. “Having said that, it’s never been as much of a doomsday scenario as some people make out. “We are looking forward to a smooth transition and the incoming government is already ahead with projects it made promises about.” Haris Mohamed, acting managing director of Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC), the state-owned tourism body, added:
“Brand Maldives continues to be widely recognised,” said Shiaan. “But there are new source regions where we are seeing great growth too.” North American visitors to the country have risen by 20%, despite almost no promotion by the MMPRC. India is also set to bring an influx of visitors, following the introduction of services such as GoAir’s flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Male. Shiaan hinted four more airlines
could also start flying to the Maldives next year. A new international airport, designed to cater for more than 7.5 million passengers, is set to be ready for passenger flights “by the end of the year”.
WONDER WALL: World-renowned graffi ti artist Banksy has chosen WTM London to host his fi rst-ever stall at a trade fair. The underground star announced on Instagram last week he would be displaying the replica separation barrier on Palestine’s stand (ME360) to promote his Walled Off hotel in Bethlehem. The Bristol-based artist opened the hotel in March 2017, claiming it offered “the worst view of any hotel in the world”, thanks to its location overlooking the 400-mile wall that cuts through the West Bank and divides Israel and Palestine. Paul Nelson of World Travel Market said: “The fact that an artist of Banksy’s standing is using WTM London to promote the Walled Off hotel illustrates just how big a draw the event is for the global travel industry. Like everyone else, we are in the dark about exactly what he has planned, but we are as excited as anyone to fi nd out.”
Sierra Leone’s wildlife includes chimpanzees
FRESH CHAPTER
‘New start’ for Sierra Leone
The Sierra Leone National Tourist Board (AF455) is working with the country’s new government to promote tourism and development, and hopes for tourism to become the lead industry for the country, its minister of tourism and culture has said. Speaking during a Sierra Leone press conference at WTM London yesterday, Dr. Memunatu B Pratt, Sierra Leone’s minister of tourism and culture, said the West African country wanted to “change its narrative” and use marketing to “improve its national image.” She said “tourism had had its challenges” in the past, due to the country’s associations with blood diamonds, civil war and Ebola. However, she said 2018 marked a new chapter for Sierra Leone, thanks to a new government that hopes to develop infrastructure.
“We hope to increase revenue and jobs from tourism,” said Pratt. Government infrastructure plans include a new bridge connecting the airport to Freetown, the country’s port city and capital.
Pratt said Sierra Leone offered diverse experiences for tourists including pristine beaches, a cultural capital city and plenty of wildlife experiences, with native animals including chimpanzees, monkeys, pygmy hippos and numerous bird species.
resorts thanks to its year-round sunshine” SARAH GILBERT ON WHAT’S NEW IN THE COASTAL RESORT, p58
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