Maldives cuts tourism forecasts amid market, geopolitical changes
The Ministry of Finance in Maldives has revised its tourism growth forecasts downward, reflecting changes in market composition and economic and geopolitical circumstances. According to the Macroeconomic Update, published in late June, in 2023, tourist arrivals reached 1.88 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with a 12.1 percent increase compared to 2022. The first three months of […]
Why World Environment Day matters for Maldives, tourists
Maldives is synonymous with pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and breathtaking marine life. This idyllic paradise, however, faces a very real threat: climate change and environmental degradation. World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th, takes on a particular significance for the Maldives, with the 2024 theme – Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience – striking […]
Afsal ‘best’ for tourists; sacrificed in guest service
Ahmed Afsal, a 39-year-old housekeeper from Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll, was a star employee at Centara Grand Island Resort. Tourists consistently praised him raving about his attentiveness, creativity, and friendly demeanour. Afsal wasn’t just a great housekeeper; he was a kind and helpful person who went above and beyond for his guests. Afsal, who is single […]
Masdhooq Saeed: On mission to make Sun Siyam Iru Veli soulful, romantic, authentic Maldivian boutique resort
Maldives is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, who flock to its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and luxurious resorts. But what makes the Maldives stand out from other tropical paradises is the warmth and hospitality of its people, who welcome visitors with open arms and treat them like family. It […]
New tax on diving threatens growth of Fuvahmulah’s infant tourism
Fuvahmulah City Council has introduced a new tax on diving activities. This historical decision marks the first time that both locals and foreigners will be required to make an additional payment apart from the charges on the services provided by dive centres, for accessing the Maldivian waters. While dive schools have been charging fees for […]
The Flourishing Coffee Market in Maldives
Coffee is a great way to start a day, and to many people it is an essential part of their daily routine. Surprisingly, prior to 2002, tea was the beverage of choice in the Maldives! Coffee arrived first as Melitta filter coffee, closely followed by LavAzza in 2003, paving the way for a whole new […]
COVID-19 AND THE GIG ECONOMY
AN IMPOSSIBILITY TO A REALITY Once thought to be an impossible economic sector, given the geographical limitations, isolation and lack of infrastructure, the Maldivian tourism industry will soon be marking its 50th anniversary in two years’ time. Unyielding to the viability assessment and opinion of the United Nations, the Maldives had entered a new dawn […]
Tourism Indicators: Hope and Recovery amid the Pandemic
The year 2020 began with hope and positive expectations for Maldivian tourism industry, achieving a monthly growth rate of 14% in international tourist arrival for the month of January compared to January 2019. Yet, within just few weeks, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic led to an immense global health crisis, worldwide panic, uncertainty and […]
A Tribute – Dr Ibrahim Umar Maniku 1952-2020
Main Photo: Dr Ibrahim Umar Maniku (far right) with senior members of his team at The Nautilus. With the passing of Dr Ibrahim Umar Maniku, on 25 November 2020, Maldives has lost one of its favourite sons. Dr, as everyone knew him, was an anaesthesiologist by training and an entrepreneur in spirit. His contribution to […]
Emerging Destinations: Huvadhoo Atoll
Why should the beauty of Maldives be confined to just the North? It has many spots that deserve a visit. Thanks to better transport and development of resorts the area is becoming popular among tourists. Tourism began flourishing in the Maldives since 1970s when resorts near the capital city emerged. They had the advantage of […]
Salah Shihab, Four Decades of Steering Voyages
In a career spanning 40 years, Salah Shihab has led Voyages Maldives, a pioneering company and industry leader in the safari (boating) industry of the Maldives. He has also diversified the business into hotel supplies and agriculture in the latter part of the company’s trajectory. One of the first Maldivian graduates in economics, from the […]
Emerging Destinations: Dhaalu Atoll
Dhaalu Atoll – Your next travel destination. Located in the central Maldives and relatively new to welcoming the hospitality industry; opening its first resort in the late 90’s. Dhaalu is a quiet corner with excellent diving and snorkelling. With its population of about 5000 spread across seven inhabited islands. How do we classify a destination […]
