The recent air services agreement between Maldives and Ethiopia opens up new possibilities for diversifying the source markets for tourist arrivals to the Indian Ocean island destination, states Mohamed Firaq, founder and CEO of Inner Maldives Holidays, a top travel operator in the Maldives.

On Tuesday, Maldives and Ethiopia signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA) along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding air services. The accords were endorsed by Maldivian Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen alongside Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Yohannes Abera Belete.

Firaq views this as a significant strategic change in the nation's tourism and civil aviation industry.

He thinks the Ethiopian route offers an intriguing alternative air link for the Maldives, akin to the connectivity provided via Turkey.

A direct connection between Ethiopia and the Maldives would generate fresh prospects for our tourism sector. "Enhancing air access to various areas is crucial for broadening our visitor demographics and reaching sustainable tourism development," he posted on Facebook.

Firaq holds that enhanced connections with Africa and other areas would aid in drawing new source markets, while lessening the country's reliance on conventional markets.

“This would represent a beneficial move to enhance the resilience and sustainable development of tourism in the Maldives,” he stated.

Firaq anticipates that airlines will start services on the Ethiopia route soon, enhancing connectivity between Ethiopia and the Maldives to benefit tourism, trade, and business.

The Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, stands as one of Africa’s major aviation centers, serving as a crucial link in establishing new market sources from Africa and other regions.

The agreements arise during a decrease in tourist visits caused by the persistent conflict in the Middle East.