The flag carrier of France, Air France, has resumed operations to Maldives effective of today. Velana International Airport welcomed the first flight back from the airline, earlier this morning. According to the operator of the airport, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the airline will be conducting three flights a week to Maldives.
Resumption of operations by Air France is expected to increase the number of French tourists; one of the constant top ten tourist market to the Maldives. The fact has remained the same with the border reopening as well, with roughly around 3k tourist arrivals being recorded up until now. Moreover, in order to boost the destination presence of Maldives in the French tourist market, Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has conducted several focused marketing campaigns for French tourists promoting Maldives as a safe tourist destination along with stress on the unique experiences one could have here.
The commencement of operations also comes at the winter holiday season, a peak period of time where people travel to tropical destinations to get away from the impending cold.
Since the borders were reopened, Maldives has welcomes over 100k tourists. Last Thursday, the country also reached its 500k tourist arrival, the milestone targeted for this year in the light of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.