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.[Photo provided to China Daily]

New flights, improved tourism infrastructure and promotional programs are expected to draw new waves of Chinese to the Maldives, especially as the island nation celebrates its Year of Tourism in 2016.

Mega Maldives Airlines will launch weekly direct flights connecting Zhengzhou, capital of Central China's Henan province, and Ibrahim Nasir International Airport from Feb 1.The airline operates about 30 percent of flights between the two countries, strategy and business development director Mifzal Ahmed says.It currently runs routes from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macao.

"Zhengzhou is the gateway to Central China, and we think it's a market that will grow," Ahmed says.Flights from Shenyang, capital of northeastern China's Liaoning province, will also be developed in early 2016, Ahmed says, adding that Maldivian, the country's national carrier, is also planning new routes.