Maldives is the only place where you can see tall palms leaning towards the sea on white powdery beaches, crystal clear waters kissing crystalline white sands, shades of turquoise blending flawlessly with deeper hues of blue and some of the most incredible underwater life on our planet. But the natural beauty of this paradise remained undiscovered before the 1900s.
Before tourism emerged as a major industry in the early 1970s, the country did not foresee that any other industry could triumph fishing, which is still known as “the nation’s lifeline”. When plans for the development of a tourist resort in the Maldives first appeared, several international experts also claimed that the islands do not have the potential for a viable tourism industry. In fact, a United Nations mission on development which visited the Maldives in the 1960s also suggested that tourism prospects in the island nation were non-existent.
Nevertheless, tourism began in the Maldives with the arrival of the first group of tourists from Europe in February 1972. Since then, the industry has flourished rapidly with the number of resorts increasing to over 50 in a span of a few years. An industry that began with just 30 rooms that were hastily built from coral and palm leaves has now made a name for itself as one of the most prestigious tourist destinations in the world.
Over the years, foreign investors and hoteliers have been flocking to the Maldives islands, known as garlands of the Indian Ocean. With the presence of virtually every luxury hotel brand imaginable - from Hilton, Shangri-La and One&Only to St. Regis, Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and numerous other prestigious names - the growth of the industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a non-existent industry before the early 1970s had, by 1985, already supplanted fishing as the country's largest economic sector. Today, tourism continues to be the backbone of the Maldivian economy, earning approximately 70 percent of the country's foreign exchange revenues. The luxury hotel landscape has become increasingly competitive, with new ultra-luxury brands like Patina, Capella, and Soneva setting new standards in high-end hospitality, while local brands such as Coco Collection and Crown & Champa Resorts have also made their mark in the international market.
Over the years, the tourism infrastructure has expanded dramatically. Maldives currently has a capacity of 1,227 tourist facilities which include 153 safari vessels, 878 guesthouses, 14 hotels and 182 resorts. This means that of the total facility capacity, eight resorts have yet to resume operations. This remarkable growth in accommodation options has transformed the Maldives from its humble beginnings into a destination that caters to various types of travelers, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious adventurers.
Tourism and related services contribute to over 40 percent of the country's GDP. But, its indirect contribution is much higher. As a result, this industry is a catalyst for growth and new opportunities in a range of related industries.
With the introduction and expansion of tourism, the need for air transport became vital especially in the absence of a reliable public transport system among the atolls. The aviation infrastructure has expanded significantly since the inauguration of the Maldives' first airport on April 12, 1966. What began as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport has since been renamed to Velana International Airport, and undergone massive modernization with a new state-of-the-art terminal, expanded runway capable of handling A380 aircraft, and a dedicated seaplane terminal. While it remains the main gateway to the Maldives with millions of tourists traveling through annually, the country has also developed several domestic airports including Gan International Airport, Maafaru International Airport, and Villa International Airport Maamigili, dramatically improving air connectivity throughout the archipelago. The expansion continues with more regional airports under development, creating a robust aviation network that serves both tourists and locals alike.
Maldives continues to maintain its position as home to the world's largest seaplane fleet. These aircraft serve as the main mode of transport between the international airport and tourist resorts, particularly those located in more distant atolls. Seaplanes are ideally suited to operate in the Maldives, where 98 percent of the territory is water. Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the largest seaplane operator in the Maldives, has expanded its operations significantly, now boasting a fleet of over 80 aircraft. Operating from a newly built state-of-the-art seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport, TMA provides transfer services to more than 100 Maldivian resorts, transporting approximately 1.5 million passengers annually to their holiday destinations. Adding to this robust seaplane network, the national carrier Maldivian has also entered the seaplane sector with its own fleet of DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, serving various luxury resorts across the archipelago. This dual operation has further strengthened the country's aerial connectivity, with both airlines continually modernizing their fleets and expanding their networks. Together, they maintain the Maldives' status as the world's premier seaplane destination and form a crucial component of the nation's tourism infrastructure.
Speed boat ferry services have also experienced significant growth, revolutionizing inter-island connectivity. There are numerous speed boat ferries operating regular routes between Male City and various atolls, making travel more accessible and efficient for both tourists and locals alike. The government's public ferry service, RTL, has further enhanced mobility by providing comprehensive coverage across most atolls, facilitating both inter-atoll transport and connecting remote islands to major hubs. This expansion of marine transport options has played a crucial role in supporting the tourism industry's growth while benefiting local communities.
The stunning bungalows beside unpolluted beaches, sparkling aquamarine water, multi-coloured tropical fish in the reefs, water sports and breathtaking sunsets have made Maldives one of the most enticing tourist destinations in the world. What is on offer in the Maldives is unmatchable – in fact, what Maldives offers is complete serenity, in a setting of pure, unadulterated beauty: tall palms, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and blue skies.
