Maldives’ Tourism Ministry has revealed that Italy’s leisure ‘Neos’ airline is set to commence flights to the Maldives. Local media, Times of Addu reported that Neos will commence operations to the Maldives in the upcoming month.
Neos is headquartered in Somma Lombardo, Lombardy. The leisure airline is a subsidiary of Alpitour S.p.A. Furthermore, Neos operates a fleet of Boeing 737 Next Generation, Boeing 767, and Boeing 787 aircraft. The airline flies to over 73 scheduled domestic, European and intercontinental destinations.
Maldives Exhibited at TTG Travel Experience in Italy this Month
Just recently, the Maldives exhibited at the TTG Travel Experience 2020 in Italy. Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) showcased the Maldives at a 32sqm stand designed colourfully to display the natural beauty of the destination.
The three-day fair attracted a large number of visitors from Italy. Industry professionals from the Maldives also met with top travel trade partners and media to further discuss, develop and strengthen the presence of the destination within the Italian market.
The Italian Tourist Market
Italy is one of the traditional and important markets to the Maldives. According to statistics, by the end of 2019, a total of 136,343 tourists from Italy visited the Maldives. Likewise, the European country ranked as the third-largest market to the Maldives (in terms of arrivals) in 2019.
Also read: Maldives Records 8,350 Tourist Arrivals from 1st October to 15th October 2020
Before the borders of the Maldives closed due to COVID-19 in March, 52,848 Italian tourists arrived in the Maldives. However, while the Italian market remained one of the strongest source markets before, tourist arrivals from Italy remained significantly low since the Maldives’ borders reopened.
The Maldives recorded 8,350 tourist arrivals from 1st October to 15th October 2020. Meanwhile, in September 2020, Maldives recorded 9,538 tourist arrivals according to the Maldives Immigration. Tourist arrivals continue to grow since the Maldives reopened its borders.
