Navigating economic challenges and tourism: Insights for Maldives’ tourism future
The Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on September 19, featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled, ‘Shaping the Future: Strategic Insights from Maldives.’ This session aimed to address key issues concerning the Maldivian economy, with a particular focus on the tourism sector, foreign investment, fiscal policies, and aviation infrastructure. Moderated by TV […]
Surfing: Catalyst for sports tourism in Maldives
The Maldives, renowned for its stunning atolls and luxury resorts, is on the cusp of redefining its tourism appeal by tapping into the flourishing market of sports tourism—specifically, surfing. This shift is exemplified by the rising prominence of local surfers like Ahmed Agil, whose journey and achievements illuminate the vast potential of surfing as a […]
Struggles of Maldivian airline: Time to let private airlines soar?
As the flag carrier and national airline of the Maldives, Maldivian has long been a symbol of national pride, connecting the scattered islands of the archipelago and serving as a gateway to the world. However, beneath the surface of this emblematic role lies a harsh reality: Maldivian has consistently struggled to operate profitably, raising questions […]
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 […]
