Maldives Delegation to Visit Russia to Strengthen Tourism and Aviation Ties

A high-level Maldivian delegation led by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen will undertake a five-day official visit to the Russian Federation from 17 to 21 August, with a focus on strengthening tourism cooperation, air connectivity and travel trade partnerships.

The delegation will hold engagements in Moscow and St. Petersburg and includes senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Maldivian, as well as representatives from the tourism industry.

Russia remains one of the Maldives’ largest tourism source markets. As of 12 August 2026, the Maldives had welcomed 192,453 Russian tourists, representing 14.7% of total tourist arrivals and placing Russia as the country’s second-largest source market.

In 2025, the Maldives recorded 278,761 arrivals from Russia, reflecting the market’s continued importance to the country’s tourism industry.

During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to meet senior representatives of the Russian Government to discuss tourism and civil aviation cooperation, including opportunities to strengthen air connectivity and increase flight capacity between the two countries.

The delegation will also engage with leading Russian tour operators, travel trade partners, industry associations, digital platforms and hospitality companies in both Moscow and St. Petersburg.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the meetings are expected to provide greater insight into market trends and changing traveller preferences, while exploring opportunities for joint promotional activities ahead of the upcoming travel season and Visit Maldives Year 2027.

Two industry networking events will also be held in Moscow and St. Petersburg, bringing together representatives from the Russian travel trade, tourism partners and media. The events will showcase the Maldives’ evolving tourism offerings and seek to strengthen relationships with partners that continue to drive demand from the Russian market.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said the visit would also provide an opportunity to engage directly with key partners and prepare for future tourism initiatives.

“Russia has been a steadfast friend of the Maldives, and we are grateful to every traveler who has chosen our islands,” Ameen said. “This visit is about listening to our partners, keeping our guests connected to our shores, and preparing together for Visit Maldives Year 2027. We travel with hope, and with the interests of our people at heart.”

The visit is also expected to support efforts to attract new traveller segments, maintain the Maldives’ visibility in the Russian market and improve accessibility between the two countries.

By bringing together government institutions, destination marketing bodies, aviation operators and private-sector representatives, the delegation aims to coordinate discussions across tourism policy, connectivity and destination promotion.

The Ministry said outcomes from the visit will help shape future destination marketing activities and industry collaboration as the Maldives builds momentum towards Visit Maldives Year 2027.