The Maldives is expecting the arrival of its 100,000th tourist on Saturday and the country’s Tourism Minister Abdullah Masoom announced on Friday the country would celebrate the moment, Sun news reported. 

The Indian Ocean archipelago reset its tourist arrival target to 100,000 for 2020 after the global tourism industry had faced a massive disruption due to the worldwide shutdown caused by the pandemic. 

“Insha Allah, tomorrow will be a historic day in #Maldives #tourism. In the morning of 12.12.2020, we will celebrate the arrival of the 100,000th tourist since we reopened our border. A milestone reached,” tweeted Abdullah Shahid. 

By 9 November, the country had received a total of 94,543 tourists. With 20,264 tourists, Russia remained the top market for the tourism industry in the Maldives. The revival of the tourism industry is crucial for the country’s economy as the sector generates the highest revenue for the nation. 

Since July 15- when it reopened its border, the Maldives adopted a phased opening, initially allowing the tourist resorts then gradually other hotels and guesthouses in residential islands. The country also managed to keep its active COVID-19 cases below 1000.