The island nation of Maldives offers visitors a variety of activities, such as fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. It has become one of the most popular destinations for Chinese travelers.[File photo]

The airport's annual capacity will be expanded to accommodate 7 million passengers that year. The government hopes to by then lure 1.5 million Chinese annually.

"We have planned major events internationally and locally," Haris says.

The country staged road shows in Shanghai, Zhengzhou and Beijing to introduce new sites in late December.More will be hosted across China this year, as will surf and photography competitions. The Maldives will also upgrade its Chinese-language tourism website.Airports and resorts now offer Chinese-language services and UnionPay banking.