An ordinary Maldivian Called Mr.Mohamed Umer Manik has started tourism back in 1972 challenging United nation, Back than UN did an assessment to check tourism can be viable in Maldives, after the assessment they said tourism will not be possible in Maldives, because there no natural sauce of water/ electricity , and neither proper airport, however, tourism in Maldives has flourished today . The arrival of the first tourist group is estimated to have occurred in February 1972. Tourism in Maldives started with just two resorts with a capacity of about 280 beds. Kurumba Island Resort is the first resort which was opened in Maldives, followed by Bandos Island Resort.
At present, there are over 105 resorts located in the different atolls constituting the Republic of Maldives. Over the past few decades, the number of tourists in Maldives has risen continuously. In 2009, local island guesthouses started popping up in the Maldives. This was thanks to a change in regulations that began to officially allow tourists to stay among the local population, rather than just on privately owned resort islands. In 2015, a total of 1.2 million tourists visited the Maldives, and another 1.5 million visited in 2020
Current work is being undertaken to dramatically boost tourism numbers by constructing another 120 properties, which will include foreign developers such as the Four Seasons. JW Marriott, and Westin, It is estimated that another 100 new islands with 100 to 200 rooms each will be needed to reach a capacity capable of receiving 7.5 million visitors by 2018, this is what Maldives government targeting, can this achievable?
Until recently, tourism was restricted to the Maldives resorts, built on uninhabited islands where all services are offered within the island, with no contact with the local people. Guests rarely move away from the resorts, managed mostly by foreign multinationals, whose revenues only minimally go to the local economy. Recently the legalization of tourist facilities took place on the islands inhabited by locals, to create new jobs and allow more people to enjoy the gains from tourism. One example of inhabited island where "guest houses are growing is Huraa, situated in Kaafu Atoll of Maldives, one of the nearest locations from Malè's International Airport (only 20 km), where tourists can stay in a local guest house among island inhabitants
The Maldives as a destination is, arguably, the greatest revolution in luxury travel in the last several decades. It is the world standard for tropical paradises and exclusivity, where unsurpassed beauty has continued to attract travellers from all over the world.
Today tourism figures, awards and statistical forecasts show the destination as a powerful force with a lucrative future. As one example among many, in 2008 the World Travel Awards recognized the Maldives as the world's leading island destination. And every year its resorts populate prestigious rankings like the Cond? Nast Traveller Hotlists.
In terms of annual tourist arrivals to the Maldives, the figures have increased steadily from a mere 1,097 in 1972, after the opening of the first resort, to over a million guest arrivals in 2013.
One Island, One Resort
Compared to longstanding tourist destinations around the world such as the Riviera and the Caribbean, the Maldives is home to a new generation of luxury resorts under the 'One Island, One Resort' concept, with over-water villas, spas and innovative restaurants, which attract the attention of global trendsetters and upscale travelers. The stunning oceanic environment of the islands has inspired a new class of resort luxury and design, allowing hospitality brands to create a distinctive guest experience few destinations can match. Thus, the Maldives is a 'must-have' destination for top-tier hospitality brands.
The "One Island, One Resort" concept has further benefited the Maldives by insulating each resort from the outside world; whether it be the SARS virus or bird flu, or whether it is local politics or international issues, each resort and its guests continue to spend their time on their island totally isolated from any outside interference. So much so that during both the SARS and the bird flue epidemics, Maldives saw some its highest guest arrivals at that time.
Maldives is the picture of paradise. With luxury bungalows extending over turquoise waters inviting you to jump in for a swim, sandy beaches and pure luxury, Maldives is a dream destination. I must admit, you expected to do nothing more than bask in the sun, sip cocktails and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, but once you arrived at the islands, you will find out that there are more things to do in Maldives than we originally thought.
It’s true, the over the water bungalows are a spectacular sight and those images are what drew us to the Maldives in the first place.
But are there things to do in Maldives besides relax? Oh yeah! You actually ended up having an amazing adventure holiday! Here I recommend some activities,
Scuba Diving;
The Maldives is one of the premier scuba diving destinations on earth and if there is one place you need to give it a try, it’s here. There are many affordable PADI dive centers where you can take a discovery dive if you are not certified, or sign up for several dive options to one of the many reefs.
Snorkeling;
If scuba diving isn’t your thing, snorkeling is a great option. The reefs are so pristine in the Maldives that you don’t have to go deep to see a lot!
We went snorkeling with sea turtles and saw more than half a dozen munching their lunches at the reef. Spending a solid two hours in the water, we also managed to see so much more than just sea turtles.
My favorite was the immense schools of colorful fish flocking together as they floated with the tides. When three masses came together, we felt as if we were in our own giant aquarium.
Dolphin Spotting
The dolphins in the Maldives are some of the most active and playful we have ever seen! They flipped and twirled out of the water putting on a great show for us. This excursion offer in almost in all the resort in Maldives,
Island Hopping
Believe it or not, there is a large settlement in the Maldives and many locals live and work on the islands. If you stay at a private island in the Maldives, make sure to book an excursion to visit the nearby communities. The Maldives follow strict a Muslim culture so be sure to dress respectably with long skirts/shorts and no spaghetti strap sleeves. If pan to visit a local island, make sure to take with you a sarong to put on when you visit at the islands.
Surfing
The Maldives is a world-class surfing destination. Many resort attracts top surfers from around the world to face its awesome break free from crowds. Maldives also host some intentional surfing tournaments,
Stand Up Paddle boarding
The Maldives is great for stand up paddle boarding (SUP), because most islands are surrounded by calm shallow waters that only ebb and flow with the rising tides.You can paddle along in safe bays with water so clear you can see fish swimming right below your boards.
Massage
The Maldives was made for romance and when visiting the island paradise, you must take some time to pamper yourself. Most people visiting the Maldives were couples and families and if you visit as couple your highly recommend a couple’s massage for upping the romance factor. If not solo also possible,
Sunset Romantic Dinner
I don’t think there is a more romantic destination on earth than the Maldives. If you are travelling as a couple and want to splurge on a romantic night out, this is the place to do it. While most food is buffet style in the Maldives, take a break from the smorgasbord and enjoy either a sunset beach or sunset pier dinner. You can choose a meal from $ 200-2000, which include of some bubblies
I don't think anywhere quite compares with the sheer beauty of Maldives. The abundance of atolls jutting out of deep blue waters is overwhelming. These islands are sitting on underwater plateaus just waiting for you to come and visit. For booking it always best rate guaranteed if you book through resort directly,
Comments