Best of Maldives 2023

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Resort : Furaveri Maldives

The Maldives presents a robust economic landscape featuring a GDP of USD 6.19 billion (2022 estimate), and a per capita nominal GDP of USD 11,817.5

History of the Maldives

The Maldives, a captivating Indian Ocean nation, spans the equator and consists of 1,192 islands extending 871 kilometres. Encompassing around 90,000 square kilometres, with only 298 square kilometres of dry land, its islands are arranged in a double chain of 26 atolls.

This unique geography offers a mesmerising spectacle, with colourful reefs, pristine sand-fringed islets, and crystal-clear waters. The tropical country boasts over 1,130 islands, of which 189 are inhabited, 158 islands housing resorts, and others designated for industrial and agricultural use.

Nestling a population of approximately 515,132 as of 2022, the Maldives presents a robust economic landscape featuring a GDP of USD 6.19 billion (2022 estimate), and a per capita nominal GDP of USD 11,817.5.

The Maldives’ rich cultural heritage encompasses traditions, from attire and rituals to practices that have endured over time

The Maldives’ rich cultural heritage encompasses traditions, from attire and rituals to practices that have endured over time. One of the most prominent practices of ancestral rituals would be the Boduberu music, a hypnotic form of traditional music that starts slow and meditative but increases in tempo as the night progresses. The nation is also celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in the realm of unique lacquer work and souvenir creation.

Undergoing a remarkable transformation, the Maldives shifted from its historical reliance on fishing and agriculture to embracing the introduction of tourism. This pivotal shift catapulted the nation into modernity, altering its course and establishing it as a globally renowned travel haven. The introduction of luxury resorts on private islands ignited a tourism boom, transforming the Maldives into an exclusive destination sought after by discerning travellers. With a growth rate that outpaced GDP, the industry became a significant contributor to the nation’s economic prosperity.

Maldives Tourism Industry: An Overview

The pioneering chapter of tourism in the Maldives began in 1972 with the unveiling of Kurumba Maldives, the nation’s inaugural resort, under the leadership of President Mr. Ibrahim Nasir. The second resort to be opened in Maldives was Bandos Maldives, and both resorts have since then gone to become pinnacles of the Maldivian tourism industry and are still in operation.

When the industry started, the country had just two resorts with a capacity of roughly 280 beds. Today, the landscape has transformed, boasting more than 170 registered resorts and over 41,000 beds, with many more blossoming in the developmental stages.

Beyond the resort lineage, Maldives also caters to the tourism industry in the form of guesthouses which sprung up first back in 2009, through a smart move in the regulations that finally allowed tourists to stay among local populations, adding a unique layer to the captivating Maldivian experience.

Resort : Kagi Maldives

Moreover, venturing further into the realm of hospitality, the Maldives introduced homestay tourism in January 2022, debuting on the local island of M. Dhiggaru. This move saw the country truly embrace local island tourism, giving islanders an opportunity to enter the tourism industry of the country while also offering guests an opportunity to experience island life.

Thrill-seeking and adventurous travellers were allured by a series of diverse national and international expos. The strategic orchestration of these networking expos and symposiums organised by Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) catalysed a noteworthy surge in tourism, extending its appeal to a broader spectrum of visitors. This inclusivity encompassed middle to luxury-class tourists hailing from various countries, thus fostering a more diverse and expansive demographic of travellers to the Maldives.

Liveaboards, also known in the Maldives as ‘safari boats’, are another attraction for tourists to the Maldives. These vessels cruise atolls on week-long itineraries, ideal for avid scuba divers seeking multiple daily dives and comprehensive exploration.

The future of the Maldives’ tourism industry is poised for transformation. Driven by shifting paradigms and emerging trends, it remains a beacon of tropical allure, promising a harmonious blend of luxury, natural beauty, and responsible travel.

Resort : CROSSROADS Maldives

Resort : Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi

Nika Island Resort & Spa nikaisland.it

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Resort : Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives

Resort : Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Photography by : Dynamyst

Resort : Fushifaru Maldives