maldives tourism achievements

No one traveled to this island 50 years ago. Now it's one of the hottest destinations.

When imagining paradise, the Maldives’ pristine beauty often comes to mind.

Powdery white sand reflects sunlight so brilliantly it feels like it's searing your pupils. The inviting turquoise water is crystal clear, showcasing fish swimming below the surface like a glass aquarium. You may even spot a baby blacktip shark hugging the shoreline if you're lucky. 

Spend a little time on #TravelTikTok or Instagram, and you’ll see endless videos and images of the Maldives and its iconic over-the-water villas, which put guests literally inches from the ocean. Resorts occupy entire islands, lending a sense of privacy and luxury desired by travelers.

The Maldives’ rapid rise to becoming a top travel bucket list destination unfolded only over the past 50 years – with no signs of slowing down. International tourism accounts for 58.3% of the economy, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council . (Following closely behind is fishing.) By 2033, it’s forecasted to make up nearly 60.7%.

The number of tourists visiting consistently surpasses previous records. In 2022, there were 1.68 million tourists, and in 2023, more than 1.8 million tourists visited the country with just over half a million residents. 

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“The outlook for the Maldives tourism industry has never looked brighter, and we are confident that we can achieve the 2 million tourists target set for this year,” Fathmath Thaufeeq, CEO and managing director of Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corp., told USA TODAY. 

Now recognized as a sought-after vacation spot, the country is focusing on preserving its beaches and coral reefs – primary factors drawing in visitors – amid climate change and increased human activity. 

“As the world's lowest-lying country, we are acutely aware of the crisis and its daily impacts,” Thaufeeq said. “Our very livelihood, heavily reliant on a thriving tourism industry, is inextricably linked to safeguarding our pristine environment.”

A ‘kept secret’ for decades

Before the 1970s, the Maldives – a remote archipelago comprising 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean – was a “kept secret amongst the most adventurous travelers,” Thaufeeq said. There was essentially no tourism infrastructure. Many islands were uninhabited – to this day, more than 1,000 remain so, visited only by locals for beach days and picnics. Local villages sustained themselves with coconuts and fishing. 

The country’s first official resort opened in 1972 by a Maldivian on a former coconut farm. It encompassed 30 rooms built of coral and limestone with palm thatch roofs. The resort was called Kurumba , meaning “coconut” in the local Dhivehi language. It was a rugged experience, with guests wading through water from the boat to the shore and not much to do besides fishing and enjoying the beach. Meals were served in canteens or in a beach barbecue. 

Despite this, the natural beauty of the Maldives was a complete hook, line and sinker.

New resorts are continuously being developed to accommodate the growing number of visitors. From 2023 to 2024, seven opened across the atolls, bringing the total number of operating resorts to 175, the Ministry of Tourism reported. The government has played an active role in shaping the Maldives as a tourist hot spot.

Though Russian and Chinese tourists have long dominated the market, more Americans are making the trek to the Maldives as interest in ecotourism grows, Thaufeeq said. Sixty-four percent of Americans surveyed in Booking.com’s 2024 Travel Predictions said they look for sustainable accommodations.

Today’s resorts offer the same beloved beachside experience while pushing the boundaries of what they can offer to travelers.

Part of a Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, the all-inclusive Siyam World offers guests more than they could ever imagine to stand out among the many other resorts. 

The 133-acre resort, which opened in 2021, offers the classic sunset cruise, snorkeling and dolphin cruise excursions, as well as the Indian Ocean’s biggest floating waterpark and a FIFA-standard soccer field. Guests can choose from water activities like flyboarding, e-surfing, and the self-proclaimed world’s first underwater jetpack. 

The face of the climate crisis

While frolicking in the water, some tourists may not realize the Maldives is grappling with a climate crisis. 

Sitting at an average 3.77 feet above sea level, the Maldives is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and rising sea levels. In 2018, scientists from the United States Geological Survey predicted that as much as 80% of the Maldives could be uninhabitable by 2050. The islands are particularly susceptible to flooding, droughts that affect freshwater access and storm surges. 

Nearly 45% of resorts have reported some kind of beach erosion, according to the 2015 Maldives Climate Change Policy Framework .

The country is moving swiftly to mitigate the damage from climate change. 

“From the very beginning, the Maldivian tourism industry has been rooted in sustainability,” Thaufeeq said, adding that nearly all tourist facilities embrace some sort of sustainability practice. 

In February, the Maldivian government partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development to launch the Ecotourism Framework and Roadmap , which designated 90 sites as protected and introduced ecotourism certification. 

The road map joins a list of sustainability initiatives in action:

• Since 2022, single-use plastic like straws and bags has been banned. 
• Rich in sunshine, the country is hoping to become net-zero by 2030 , mainly through solar power. Solar projects are already underway at some resorts.
• The Maldives also is trying to convert solid waste into electricity to replace the former process of burning it on Thilafushi island by 2027. 

“In the breathtaking paradise of the Maldives, sustainable tourism isn't just a concept – it's a commitment to nurturing the very essence of these stunning islands,” said Erkaiym Tabyldieva, sustainability manager at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a resort on the Noonu Atoll. 

The resort received the International Sustainable Award by Luxury Lifestyle Awards in 2023. Not only are plastic bottles eliminated on the property via an in-house water bottling and filtration system, but the resort also collaborates with nearby local islands to host educational workshops on sustainability and marine conservation for local young people. The resort also shreds and composts green waste on the property. 

Despite resorts like Iru Fushi making every effort, the rise in sea levels threatens their future.

Tabyldieva said the sustainability team is “continuously brainstorming solutions,” such as seawalls and mangrove trees. 

Responsible tourism

Travelers to the Maldives can reduce their environmental impact on the island nation while immersing themselves in Maldivian culture.

“The Maldives holds an equally vibrant soul, pulsating with a rich cultural heritage that stretches back centuries and awaits you wherever you go,” Thaufeeq said. She recommends travelers go beyond the confines of their resorts and seek out local markets in the capital, Malé – where most travelers arrive before boarding a seaplane or speedboat to their final destination – or visit a traditional fishing village.

Iru Fushi offers an excursion that takes guests via boat to a nearby island to tour the village and support local shops and restaurants. 

Tabyldieva added that when exploring the ocean, guests should be mindful not to step or touch coral reefs. Most resorts have an on-site marine biologist ready to educate and help keep the house reef healthy. 

Additionally, visitors can pack their waste, including empty toiletry bottles, to dispose of upon returning home given the pressing waste management challenges facing the islands.

“Through these mindful actions, your Maldivian journey becomes a mutually enriching experience, fostering a positive impact on both you and the local community,” Thaufeeq said. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Maldives Development Update: Rising Uncertainty Following the Strong Tourism-Led Recovery

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Driven by a rebound in tourism, Maldives’ economy recovered sharply in 2021 and is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.
• Although medium-term growth prospects are promising, the short-term outlook remains uncertain given travel and commodity price concerns.
• Measures to improve fiscal sustainability and reduce debt vulnerabilities remain priorities.

On October 29, 2021, Frenchman Victor Vincent Corentin arrived in Maldives with his wife for a holiday. They had visited the country 19 times before, but this time their arrival was different. The airport was decorated with beautiful imagery and elements of the culture and heritage of Maldives. A traditional Maldivian bodu beru procession escorted them to the arrival hall where they were greeted by the country’s top tourism officials and handed special gifts representing traditional Maldivian culture.

Corentin’s 20 th visit to his favourite island holiday destination marked an important milestone in the nation’s post-COVID tourism recovery – he was the one millionth tourist to have visited the Maldives in 2021! The achievement came just over a year and a half after the country re-opened its borders following a four-month pandemic-caused closure, the first in its history.

“Today, we turn yet another page in the remarkable success story of Maldives tourism. Reaching our arrival target of one million tourists for the year 2021 – two months in advance – is a remarkable achievement,” Maldives Minister of Tourism Dr Abdulla Mausoom said as he joined officials from tourism-related authorities to welcome Corentin and his wife.

Two months later, Maldives ended the year with 1.3 million tourist arrivals!

This strong recovery in tourism was highlighted in the latest edition of the World Bank’s Maldives Development Update (MDU) , which analyses recent developments and presents an outlook on the Maldivian economy. It finds that while the Maldives economy recovered sharply and external imbalances improved in 2021, the outlook remains uncertain given travel and commodity price concerns.

The MDU attributes the rebound in tourism to a successful nationwide vaccination campaign and the country’s ability to attract a high volume of visitors from emerging markets such as India and Russia, partially compensating for the absence of tourists from traditional markets such as China and Western Europe. Although tourist numbers declined during the Delta wave of COVID-19 infections in mid-2021, arrivals started catching up to pre-pandemic levels after June 2021. In fact, by the end of 2021, monthly arrivals had almost recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The recovery in tourism outperformed government’s expectations in 2021 and led to a faster-than-expected economic rebound.

“The Maldives’ unique ‘one island, one resort’ concept has helped the country develop a reputation for luxury tourism and attracted large amounts of foreign direct investment. The strong recovery following COVID-19 shows the robustness and resilience of the country’s tourism sector,” Ruijie Cheng , one of the lead authors of the MDU, said . “However, a high dependence on tourism and limited sectoral diversification remains a key structural challenge, as the country is highly vulnerable to external and macroeconomic shocks.”

As tourism recovered, service exports and tourism-linked revenue collections also rose significantly. This led to improvements in the current account deficit and the country’s overall fiscal position. All sectors, except for construction which remains sluggish, showed a significant rebound. The poverty rate, which rose sharply to 11 percent in 2020 due to the pandemic, is also estimated to have fallen to 4 percent in 2021.

The MDU notes that these positive trends will likely continue this year and the next. This is thanks to increasing capacity in the tourism sector led by the completion of the Velana International Airport expansion and new resorts, a return of Chinese tourists after their border is reopened, and continued strong capital expenditures. As a result, tourism and the overall economy are projected to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

Despite the strong recovery, the Maldives faces significant risks, especially due to the country’s high debt burden and the global uncertainties linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Rising from 4.9 and 0.8 percent in 2019, Russians and Ukrainians accounted for 16.8 and 2.7 percent of the 1.3 million arrivals in 2021, respectively. With the ongoing Ukraine war and the associated geopolitical implications, a prolonged absence of travellers from these two markets could negatively impact Maldives’ tourism sector. The MDU notes, however, that there are reasons to be optimistic, as increasing arrivals from other European markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, and a surge in arrivals from new markets such as the Middle East could make up for the loss.

Although the impact of the war on tourist arrivals and economic growth seems manageable, it will have other consequences. The war has already led to a spike in commodity prices and, as a result, Maldives is likely to face a higher current account deficit, inflationary pressures, and an additional fiscal burden given the likely increase in fuel and electricity subsidies. These channels may aggravate existing external and fiscal vulnerabilities.

Since 2016, the government has appropriately increased infrastructure spending to facilitate faster growth. As a result, construction activity, productivity, and medium-term economic prospects have all seen a significant boost. Funding for these major projects had come through non-concessional foreign sources and sovereign guarantees, increasing fiscal and debt vulnerabilities. These risks are unlikely to lessen especially with an election year ahead.

“Despite the strong recovery in Maldives’ economy, long-standing structural weaknesses remain and need to be addressed. Measures to improve fiscal sustainability and reduce debt vulnerabilities should be a priority as the country builds back better from the unprecedented COVID-19 shocks,” Faris H. Hadad-Zervos , the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, said.

The MDU recommends that the Maldives moderates capital spending and ensures slower accumulation of new debt in order to create more buffers to manage unforeseen risks and improve fiscal prospects. It notes that better sequencing and prioritisation of investment projects, with better growth-enhancing prospects, remain crucial for Maldives’ long-term growth and development.

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Maldives achieves highest ever tourist arrivals with over 1.8 million tourists in 2023 

• December 20, 2023
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The Maldives has today welcomed our 1.8 millionth tourist for the year 2023, successfully reaching the arrival target set for the year. Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) held a vibrant ceremony today to mark the momentous occasion. We reached this incredible milestone on 20th December 2023 with the arrival of Dutch native Mr Stefan Mathijs Hermans on flight EK652 from Dubai, UAE. This is Mr Hermans’  first  trip to the Maldives and he is here for a family holiday with his wife and two children. This is the first year that the Maldives has ever welcomed over 1.8 million tourists and marks our highest arrival numbers to date. 

MMPRC hosted the special celebratory event at Velana International Airport to commemorate this momentous milestone, joined by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL),  Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs Service. The Minister of Tourism, Honourable Ibrahim Faisal joined the event today in addition to the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of MMPRC, Ms Fathmath Thaufeeq. The CEO & MD of MACL, Mr Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, the Head of Airport Division, Principal Immigration Officer of Maldives Immigration, Ms Fathimath Majidha Hassan, and the Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Mr Mahmood Riyaz also joined the event celebrating this landmark achievement. 

“We are immensely proud of this achievement and remain committed to reaching the targets set for our tourism industry for next year as well. Every visitor who arrives in the Maldives has their breath taken away by the natural beauty of our nation, the warm hospitality of our people, and the unmatched variety of places to stay and things to do. We are here to make sure that everyone everywhere in the world knows that their perfect holiday is waiting for them in the Sunny Side of Life,” said CEO & MD of MMPRC, Ms Fathmath Thaufeeq. 

MMPRC has been continuously conducting marketing campaigns throughout the year 2023, leveraging marketing strategies and immersive promotional campaigns that showcase the unparalleled beauty and experiences that the Maldives has to offer. With our comprehensive 360-degree marketing approach, our efforts resonated with the worldwide audience, ensuring that the Maldives as a destination remained in the spotlight throughout the year for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences. We conducted a total of 349 marketing and promotional campaigns throughout the year with a combined reach of over 6,011,389,743.

Notable collaborations include joint-campaigns with world-renowned brands such as BBC Studios, CNN International Commercial and Qatar Airways. Another highlight of the year was the success of the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023. Our strategic promotional activities aimed at improving visitor numbers during the low season through sustainable tourism experiences allowed the Maldives to further cement our place as the top destination in the world, achieving over 1 million visitors within only seven months. 

The success of these campaigns were recognised on the global stage during the World Travel Awards event, where the MMPRC and the Maldives won the three highest honours of the night. The Maldives was awarded the prestigious title of World’s Leading Destination for the fourth year in a row, along with being a recipient of the newly-introduced Global Tourism Resilience Award for strategically building capacity to recover swiftly and thrive after disruptions. MMPRC was recognised for its work in promoting the Maldives as a destination with the World’s Leading Tourist Board Award for the second year in a row. 

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Maldives Tourism Triumphs: Visitor Numbers Surpass 100,000 for Third Consecutive Month This Year

The Maldives celebrates significant tourism growth, exceeding 100,000 visitors for the third month in 2024, moving closer to the ambitious goal of 2 million arrivals. This underscores the island's appeal and signals a promising future for its tourism sector's robust recovery.

London, England, United Kingdom - March 19, 2024 —

Male, Maldives – The Ministry of Tourism proudly announces a remarkable achievement in the Maldives' tourism sector, marking over 100,000 tourist arrivals for the third consecutive month this year. This impressive milestone, highlighted by the latest statistics from Velana International Airport (VIA), underscores the enduring appeal of the Maldives as a premier global destination, renowned for its stunning Maldives hotels, all-inclusive packages, and bespoke Maldives holiday experiences.

Despite a noted decline in Indian tourists, the Maldives continues to experience significant growth in visitor numbers, with a total of 103,600 tourists welcomed from March 1-17, reflecting a 3.4% increase from the previous year and showcasing the resilience and attractiveness of the Maldives' tourism industry. Since the start of 2024, the Maldives has greeted 513,377 visitors, marking a 13.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

This year's daily average arrival count stands at 6,667, with tourists enjoying an average stay of eight days, highlighting the Maldives' capacity to enchant visitors with its unparalleled beauty, luxurious accommodations, and world-class hospitality.

The shifting dynamics of tourist arrival markets have seen China ascend to the top, contributing 11.8% of the market share, followed by Russia and Italy. The Maldives' strategic focus on diversifying its tourist markets and enhancing its appeal to a broader audience has contributed to this robust growth.

Currently, 1,174 tourist facilities are operational across the archipelago, offering a wide array of accommodations to meet every traveler's needs, from lavish resorts and quaint hotels to authentic guesthouses and adventurous live aboard vessels.

The Maldives' commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences to visitors is exemplified by the warm welcome extended to the first tourist of 2024 during a special ceremony at VIA. Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal expressed optimism for the year ahead, emphasizing the nation's efforts to explore new markets and reach the ambitious arrival target set for 2024.

As the Maldives celebrates 50 years of tourism, this latest achievement highlights the nation's continued allure, drawing visitors with its picturesque landscapes, exquisite Maldives resorts, and unparalleled hospitality, promising another successful year for the Maldives' tourism industry.

6,366 tourists were welcomed on March 1

7,718 tourists were welcomed on March 2

7,141 tourists were welcomed on March 3

6,093 tourists were welcomed on March 4

6,033 tourists were welcomed on March 5

5,666 tourists were welcomed on March 6

5,355 tourists were welcomed on March 7

5,224 tourists were welcomed on March 8

6,900 tourists were welcomed on March 9

6,855 tourists were welcomed on March 10

5,288 tourists were welcomed on March 11

5,585 tourists were welcomed on March 12

4,951 tourists were welcomed on March 13

5,053 tourists were welcomed on March 14

4,959 tourists were welcomed on March 15

7,051 tourists were welcomed on March 16

7,362 tourists were welcomed on March 17

Marking 50 years since the inception of tourism in 1972, the Maldives continues to enchant visitors from around the globe with its breathtaking beauty, luxurious Maldives hotels , and the warm hospitality that defines Maldives all-inclusive resorts . This half-century milestone reflects the enduring appeal of the Maldives as a bucket-list destination, attracting tourists with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the promise of an unforgettable escape.

As the Maldives looks forward to another year of significant growth in the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism underscores its dedication to expanding the Maldives' global reach, inviting travellers to experience the unique magic of Maldives holidays that have captivated hearts for decades.

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Visit Maldives highlights 2020 achievements, 2021 plans

Visit Maldives, on Tuesday, held a press conference to highlight the achievements of 2020 and reveal planned activities for the upcoming year.

Despite noting that initial marketing plans for 2020 consisted of campaigns to boost brand visibility as well as creative initiatives to promote experiential tourism and niche segments, Visit Maldives stated that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the shift of all planned activities to social and digital media platforms.

Following the change, Visit Maldives revealed that continuous assessments were conducted concerning evolving challenges faced under efforts to React, Rethink and Recover.

Under the aforementioned three phases, Visit Maldives focused on maintaining visibility online, providing tourism industry stakeholders and tourists with regular updates on Maldives' travel restrictions and safety measures, as well as promoting the country as a safe destination through several activities in different source markets.

While all source markets were monitored closely to improve strategies formulated for targeted activities, the dissemination of immersive content was prioritised.

Visit Maldives highlighted that the pandemic marketing approach was developed in line with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)'s key message of "staying home today means traveling tomorrow".

Overall, 314 out of 412 activities were conducted as per a crisis plan.

"We have consistently worked together with the government, stakeholders and tourism industry to ensure the maximum utilization of our potential and resources in achieving our goals. The team at Visit Maldives has worked tirelessly to warrant that Maldives remains on top of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world. Gradually, our efforts seem to bear fruit: we have received 16 awards and accolades this year, including the World’s Leading Destination award by World Travel Awards 2020, and we have also reached the 500,000th tourist arrival milestone for the year", stated Managing Director of Visit Maldives Thoyyib Mohamed.

Visit Maldives revealed that a total of 343 major tourism promotion activities are planned for 2021, including both offline and online campaigns.

The main objective for the upcoming year is increasing tourist arrival figures to pre-pandemic levels, reorienting the perception of Maldives solely as a luxury and honeymoon destination, and capitalizing on the international recognition received in 2020.

Additionally, Visit Maldives also noted that particular importance would be placed on developing and promoting local tourism, as well as Maldivian culture and heritage.

Maldives reopened its borders to international passengers on July 15, after nearly four months since the state halted issuing on-arrival visas on March 27. Guesthouses were permitted to resume operations and kick start local tourism on October 15.

On December 12, Maldives recorded the arrival of the 100,000th tourist following the removal of travel restrictions. Five days after the milestone was reached, the government welcomed 500,000th tourist for the year 2020.

Although Maldives has noted a significant reduction in tourist arrivals compared to pre-COVID figures, there has been a gradual increase with the establishment of travel bubbles between Maldives and other countries, as well as greater connectivity in terms of flight operations.

In December, thus far, Maldives has recorded 69,000 incoming tourists, marking the highest number of arrivals within a month for this year. Statistics for November indicate nearly half the number with 35,000 arrivals in total.

The government aims to attract a total of 1.2 million tourists to Maldives in 2021.

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The Maldives shines at World Travel Awards

Best hotels in the maldives.

03 November, 2023

The Maldives has secured an impressive victory at the World Travel Awards (WTA) in the Indian Ocean Category, claiming four prestigious awards. These accolades were conferred during the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, hosted at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai on October 15, 2023.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is widely recognised as a highly esteemed programme in the global travel and tourism industry. These awards are the ultimate endorsement of excellence, aiming to acknowledge and celebrate accomplishments across all sectors of the travel and tourism industry worldwide.

The titles secured by the Maldives are as follows:

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2023 (also previously won in 2020, 2021, & 2022)
• Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2023 (also previously won in 2020, 2021, & 2022)
• Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2023 (also previously won in 2020, 2021, & 2022)

Furthermore, the Maldives luxury resorts has also been won for mostly awards in the highly coveted WTA World’s Category, the most prestigious of all WTA categories.

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives

For the fourth consecutive year, Atmosphere Kanifushi was recognised as the Maldives' Leading Family Resort 2023 at the World Travel Awards. This idyllic island offers guests a choice of villas along a 2-kilometre beach and luxurious water villas on a crystal-clear lagoon. Activities such as watersports, snorkelling, complimentary bicycles, and diverse dining options await ravelers.

Coco Collection

Coco Collection is thrilled to have won multiple accolades at the 2023 World Luxury Hotel Awards. This year, the team is overjoyed to have won big for both properties, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

Coco Bodu Hithi, the chic luxury resort in the portfolio, wins multiple titles, including Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort, Best Luxury Island Resort, and and Best Luxury Resort from the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, dedicated to the inspiring beauty and natural wonder of the Maldives, wins Best Luxury Beach Resort, Best Luxury Resort, and Best Luxury Sustainable in the Indian Ocean Islands and Indian Ocean's Leading Boutique Hotel Brand 2023.

Constance Hotels

Maldives' Leading Villa Resort 2023 Constance Halaveli maintains its position as the premier villa resort in the Maldives, for five years running.

Constance Moofushi has won its status as the best Indian Ocean's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023 for the last five years. Consistently ranked as the top dive resort Moofushi island as evidenced Indian Ocean's Leading Dive Resort 2023 award.

Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas

Diamonds Thudufushi has been recognised as Maldives’ Leading Beach Resort at the World Travel Awards. Run by PlanHotel Hospitality Group, Diamonds Thudufushi is located in the magnificent South Ari Atoll and is accessible by a 20-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This is the all-inclusive resort to discover the Maldives from a centre of excellence, where attention to detail will make your journey unforgettable.

Fushifaru Maldives

In an illustrious year, Fushifaru has garnered a string of prestigious accolades including the recent reognition as the ‘Best Boutique Resort’ by Travel Trade Maldives and Indian Ocean's Leading Boutique Resort 2023 . Moreover, the resort has coveted ‘Traveller Review Award’ from Booking.com, ‘International Sustainable Award’ at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023 and the ‘Best Hotel Sustainability Progress’ Award at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2023.

The consistent accolades are testimony of Fushifaru’s fantastic hospitality, activities, restaurants and entertainment, all which have once again been recognised by the traveller community, ranking Fushifaru amongst the best resorts in the Maldives.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

A special place for romance in the Maldives Hideaway Beach has has been awarded the “Maldives Leading Honeymoon Resort 2023” at the 30th annual World Travel Awards This honour highlights the luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences the resort consistently provides to guests.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

One of the most exclusive Maldives resort near Male, Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island celebrates auspicious achievements within two of the world’s most prestigious hospitality and culinary awards – the World Travel Awards and the World Culinary Awards.

Named the Maldives' Leading Water Villa Resort 2023 this award celebrates Jumeirah' one-, two-, and three-bedroom overwater villas that are known for their contemporary architecture, private infinity pools and spacious rooftop terraces.

Jumeirah Maldives resort also has taken home three World Culinary Awards each recognizing its Peruvian-Nikkei restaurant, KAYTO – the World’s Best Hotel Restaurant; Indian Ocean’s Best Hotel Restaurant; and Maldives’ Best Hotel Restaurant.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Yhis year Lily Beach Resort & Spa Maldives has won the Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023 title at the prestigious World Travel Awards. The 5-star resort will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, so this award has come at a great time to commemorate the incredible 30 years of Lily Beach being a leading all-inclusive resort in the Maldives.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been voted the winner of three hotly contested categories in the 30th annual World Travel Awards: Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort 2023; Maldives’ Leading Luxury Resort 2023; and Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2023, which recognized the resort’s opulent John Jacob Astor Estate . With over 18,500 square-feet of indoor/outdoor living space, the residence is the largest three-bedroom overwater villa in the Maldives.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI

The Royal Reserve received the Maldives' Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2023 award at the World Travel Awards 2023. The most exclusive accommodation at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, this three-bedroom sanctuary boasts exclusive amenities, complete privacy, and lavish comforts. Features include a private beach, spa pavilion, open-air jacuzzi, gym, pool, exquisite bathrooms, an overwater bar, a room for a nanny, a dedicated Teppanyaki restaurant, and a fully stocked professional kitchen with a wine cellar. Enjoy ultimate Maldives escape and tranquillity to host family and friends

VARU by Atmosphere

VARU by Atmosphere, a resort naturally blending with the Maldivian environment, earned the title of Maldives' Leading Resort 2023 at the World Travel Awards. Set near Male Airport this 5* star resort invites travelers to experience the brilliant turquoise lagoon, savour authentic Maldivian cuisine, and immerse themselves in the island's unique rhythm.

Vakkaru Maldives

For the fourth consecutive year, Vakkaru Maldives is honoured to take home three distinguished awards at the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA). This year, the timeless sanctuary was once again crowned the Indian Ocean Leading Resort , while the Vakkaru Overwater Residence awarded Leading Hotel Suite in the Maldives and Indian Ocean category .

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has been celebrated in the World Trave Awards 2023 as Indian Ocean's Leading Luxury Island Resort and Maldives' Leading Luxury Island Resort.

Set in one of the most beautiful, sought-after locations in the world, the award-winning Waldorf Maldives resort offers guests unparalleled, bespoke service and unforgettable experiences. From extensive outdoor adventure options, including snorkelling and diving in the fascinating underwater world, to the mesmerising Waldorf Astoria Spa or new Aqua Wellness Centre, guests are spoilt for choice.

The Maldives has also been nominated for several awards in the highly coveted WTA World’s Category, the most prestigious of all WTA categories. The awards for which the Maldives is nominated include World’s Leading Destination 2023, World’s Leading Beach Destination 2023, World’s Leading Dive Destination 2023, World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2023, World’s Leading Island Destination 2023, and World’s Most Romantic Destination 2023. MMPRC has earned a nomination for ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board 2023’ again this year, following their first win in the same category last year.

Voting for the WTA World Category is open until November 17, 2023. Travel enthusiasts and industry professionals are encouraged to cast their votes in support of the Maldives, a destination that has been named the World’s Leading Destination in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

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Maldives Luxury Guide

Over a million tourists visit these islands every year for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Now it's your turn to experience Maldives, the gem of the Indian ocean to discover plenty of hidden treasures. You can experience different experiences of luxury in Maldives best resorts, mingling with celebs in your best beachwear, dining in style, and falling in love with the underwater world. For those seeking romance, the Maldives offers enviably luxurious private accommodation and indulgent spas. Maldives makes the best holiday experiences year after year after year.

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News September 27, 2020

Maldives Tourism Industry – An Overview

As we mark the 48th anniversary of tourism in Maldives, we look into an overview of the industry. From the beginning in 1972 to the way forward post pandemic.

The beginning – 1972

Tourism in the Maldives started with just two resorts, Kurumba Island Resort followed by Bandos Island Resort, with a capacity of about 280 beds in 1972. Maldives was said to have welcomed the first tourists in February 1972.

Photo Credits: Kurumba Maldives

The white sandy beaches and the crystal-clear turquoise waters soon managed to attract tourists worldwide and the country was soon labeled as a paradise destination. Now, with over 100 resorts, Maldives is the bucket-list destination for every traveler around the world.

Guesthouses – 2009

Maldives was labeled as an epitome of luxury. The tourism sector was dominated by high-end resorts for decades.

Crystal Sands Maldives, Maafushi

However, the industry diversified in 2009. Permission was granted to operate guesthouses in the local islands that brought about a revolution to the tourism industry in Maldives. Since then guesthouse sector has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism industry. By the end of 2019, Maldives has over 600 guesthouses operating nationwide, giving more options for travelers.

At its peak – 2019 

1.5 millionth tourist of 2019, Ms. Marina Kazakova from Russia

The year 2019 proved to be one of the most successful years with reaching target of 1.5 millionth tourist arrival on November 24th, Maldives welcomed a record amount of 1,702,831 tourists.

A Maldives Tourism Industry Forecast 2023 done by TTM at end of 2019

The tourist arrivals from Europe (49%) was with a 14.8% increase and 833,904 tourists in 2019. The second strongest performance was from Asia and the Pacific (41.4%). There were 705,117 tourists from this region in the year. This is a 13.5% increase compared to 2018. This was followed by American countries (5%) with 84,793 tourists, Middle East (3.5%) with 60,003 tourists and Africa with 18, 698 tourists.

The Pandemic -2020

Encouraged by the massive influx of tourists, Maldives set an ambitious target for 2020: receiving 2 million tourists. That was before COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill.

The crisis has wreaked havoc on the global economy, and Maldives was no exception. The lucrative tourism industry has been hit hard where finding the path to recovery made it a lot harder.

Way forward

Maldives reopened borders to all nationalities from 15 th July 2020. Travelers are given 30-day tourist visa on arrival and are not subjected to undergo any quarantine measures.

As the industry slowly tries to move forward with the new normal, split stays have been re-introduced and to make the destination a safer place for all, effective from 10th September 2020, all visitors are required to have certificate of negative PCR test result for COVID-19, with the sample taken 72 hours prior to departure to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives.

Maldives has welcomed 402,089 tourists by August 2020. The destination ceased on-arrival visa to all tourists from 27th March 2020 as a precautionary measure to curb the spreading of COVID-19 outbreak in the country. The borders were reopened 4 months later and prior to the lockdown, Maldives welcomed around 380,000 tourists within the first 3 months of the year.

The Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom revealed that the government is expecting an influx of around 120,000 tourists starting from September until the end of the year, making the total estimated figures to 500,000 tourist arrivals (in total) for the entire year.

Furaveri Maldives

The “one island, one resort” concept gives Maldives an edge over other destinations. The island nation of Maldives is a naturally self-isolated paradise, with 1192 islands scattered along a length of 871 kilometres. The unique geography of the destination prevents contact between locals and tourists as well as tourists between two resorts. So, tourists are guaranteed with no worry of local spread into the resort. The islands are beautifully socially distanced from the city and the crowd, which makes for a perfect holiday destination post the pandemic.

Maldives achieves Safe Travels Stamp

Moreover, the luxury style villas in Maldives gives the chance for travelers to social distance in style. The destination has also been listed among the 100 safest countries for COVID-19 in the world and has achieved the Safe Travels Stamp, which is endorsed by the World Tourism Organization and more than 200 travel companies.

Moving forward with all this, Maldives tourism will move forward and get back up. The sun will shine again.

Latest Travel News

News April 9, 2024

Editor's Pick April 9, 2024

• Get Involved

Reimagining Tourism

This project aims to diversify the tourism offer in the Maldives by targeting the actors involved and ideal market of the guest house segment.  It will leverage community-led conservation of natural ecosystems and cultural heritage as a novel tourism product to facilitate a bigger role for local councils in tourism planning. This will establish formal linkages in the tourism sector with traditional knowledge and livelihoods, leading to the creation of avenues for greater participation for women and youth.

This project will facilitate pathways and provide incentives for small and medium enterprises  (i.e., guesthouses and other complimentary enterprises) to pursue and maximize social, economic and environmental benefits. This will be achieved through three outputs: focusing on integration of tourism development into island development planning processes; acceleration of digitization efforts within the guesthouse tourism segment, with a focus on enhancing access to information and marketing of local island tourism offers; and prototyping of sustainable business models for local tourism. 

As a tourism dependent country, the economy of the Maldives was severely affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  With the complete shutdown of tourism for three months in 2020, forecasts by the Ministry of Finance anticipated a contraction in GDP in the range of -11.5 to -29.7 percent in a worst-case scenario for 2020. The Rapid Livelihood Assessment on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in the Maldives reveals that the halt in tourism impacted the lives of tourism industry workers gravely and had a drastic spillover effect on construction, transport, wholesale, and retail businesses. Among the multiple segments of tourism impacted, guesthouses were especially hit hard. 

Currently the guesthouse segment of 616 establishments is estimated to be worth MVR 2.2 billion by the end of 2019, which contributes an estimated 4% to the tertiary sector economic activity. The guesthouse segment is dominated by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with majority local ownership. According to a recent study by Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) 36% of guesthouses are financed through personal loans and more than half through loan facilities. With the impact of COVID-19, guesthouses are expected to incur an aggregate loss of $28.9 million between April to September. This is a significant shock to the economies of the guesthouse dependent islands. GAM indicated that guest houses provide 80% of direct employment benefits to communities in which they operate. The SMEs in the islands provide complimentary services ranging from transport, recreation, logistics etc. to support these guesthouses.   

The ongoing pandemic has exposed structural vulnerabilities in the tourism industry which affect both supply and demand factors. This, coupled with the country’s increasing exposure to climate change related risks, obligates the country to pivot the current trajectory of its tourism industry to a more sustainable one. This project aspires to contribute to the recovery of the Maldivian tourism industry, while using the opportunity to make it more resilient through investments to ensure sustainability and inclusivity. 

Major Achievements

• Launching of the tourism website (islands.mv) to market local island tourism opportunities and services. It has given all 189 inhabited islands of the Maldives to freely market their tourism offer.  

Project Outcome

This project aims to:  

Build capacities and establish formal systems to integrate development of sustainable tourism into island planning efforts; 

Enhance access to information and market local island tourism offers through support. In doing so, it digitally maps and markets the natural and cultural ecosystem of the Maldives as unique product offerings from guest house on the main marketing portal for Maldivian tourism; 

Prototype sustainable business models for local tourism, including through the offer of regional and sub regional product offers, reskilling Maldivians for green/blue jobs in the industry, establishment cross sector value chains focusing on women entrepreneurs, and creation of sustainability standards for the guesthouse segment.  

GESI Component:

• Re-skilling and training programme: this programme caters to localized training needs in particular for women and youth in Laamu Atoll. This programme provides equal opportunities for women to branch out to different sectors of work.  

Business Incubator Programme: facilitates access to finance, banking services, and learning for entrepreneurs seeking to contribute to the tourism sector value chains- there is a focus on engaging women entrepreneurs. By facilitating and encouraging women to start their own business ventures, it increased the  number of women entrepreneurs in Laamu Atoll.  

#iamwithIMTM

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’50 Years of Tourism Awards by MATI’ celebrates achievements in the industry

July 19, 2022 | News | IMTM

Male’, Maldives, 19th July 2022 – The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) held the ’50 Years of Tourism Awards by MATI’ ceremony on 17th July 2022 at Kurumba Maldives. The ceremony is a highlight of the celebrations for the Golden Jubilee of Tourism in Maldives planned by MATI. The awards honoured organisations and individuals that have contributed exceptionally to the Tourism Industry of the Maldives over these past 50 years. His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended the ceremony as the chief guest.

The ceremony was initiated by a welcome address from the Chairman of MATI, Mr. Mohamed Umar Maniku, followed by remarks by His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The closing remarks were given by the Vice Chairman of MATI, Mr. Hussain Afeef. The event concluded with a networking event and dinner.

A total of 57 awards were given which included 4 awards given to the Pioneers of Maldives tourism and 2 awards given to previous presidents in recognition of their contribution to the tourism industry of Maldives. The winners were selected by a committee of industry experts and veterans that comprehensively vetted and evaluated all nominations received.

Pioneers Award: Mr. Mohamed Umar Maniku Mr. Hussain Afeef Hon. Ahmed Naseem Mr. George Corbin

In recognition of their contribution to the tourism industry of the Maldives: Former President of the Maldives H. E. Maumoom Abdul Gayyoom Late Former President of the Maldives H. E. Ibrahim Nasir

In light of this year being the Golden Jubilee of Tourism, MATI has organised different activities which includes The Chevening / Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) Scholarships partnership, release of 2 coffee table books titled – “Maldivian Resort Architecture – 50 years of island resorts” authored by Mr. Mauroof Jameel and “50 years of Tourism in Maldives – the Pioneers, People and Policies that shaped the Industry” authored by Dr. Simad Saeed and a partnership with Parley Maldives tackling plastic pollution and promoting environmental conservation.

#covid-19 #ecotourism #iamwithIMTM #IMTM #imtmonline #maldives #maldivesnews #Maldivestourismindustry #maldivian #resorts #responsibletravel #sunnysideoflife #Travelnews

Last modified: July 19, 2022

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H. Rankokaa First Floor | [email protected]

International Maldives Travel Market 2023

Maldives welcomes 1.7 million tourists in 2023

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Favorite

In a remarkable achievement for the Maldives, the tropical paradise has welcomed over 1.7 million tourist arrivals in 2023, according to statistics released by the Maldives Tourism Ministry.

The latest figures, as of Sunday, showcase a significant surge, marking a 12.9 percent increase compared to the same duration last year, where arrivals stood at 1,508,307.

The Maldives continues to attract visitors at an impressive pace, currently witnessing an average of 5,099 daily tourist arrivals. This surge in tourism is a testament to the nation’s enduring appeal as a premier travel destination, renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts.

Leading the list of top source markets is Russia, contributing 11.3 percent of the market share with 193,269 arrivals. India closely follows with 185,987 arrivals, constituting 10.9 percent, while China secures the third position with 176,803 arrivals, making up 10.4 percent of the market. The diverse mix of source markets highlights the global allure of the Maldives as a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide.

The top ten source markets also include the UK, Germany, Italy, the US, France, Spain, and Switzerland, reflecting the diverse international appeal of the Maldives. These statistics underscore the country’s ability to attract tourists from various regions, contributing to its status as a global tourism hotspot.

The Maldives, recently honored as the World’s Leading Destination for the fourth consecutive year at the 2023 World Travel Awards, had initially set a target of 1.8 million tourist arrivals for the year. Later, the target was revised to an ambitious 1.9 million, a figure that would mark a historic milestone in the country’s tourism history.

With 63,644 operational beds across 1,261 registered tourist establishments, the Maldives continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure to ensure a world-class experience for visitors. The tourism sector, a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, plays a pivotal role in shaping the Maldives as a premier destination in the global travel landscape.

As the Maldives celebrates this tourism milestone, it reaffirms its standing as a destination of choice, offering unparalleled natural beauty, luxury, and hospitality to visitors from around the world.

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Maldives Celebrates Remarkable Achievement of 1 Million Tourist Arrivals in 2023

The Maldives has reached a significant milestone in its tourism sector today, officially welcoming the 1 millionth tourist for the year 2023.

Anton Pavlov had the honour of being recognized as the one-millionth tourist to arrive in the Maldives this year. Warmly received at Velana International Airport (VIA), he was greeted by esteemed officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) and Maldives Immigration

The Tourism Ministry had initially projected to achieve this remarkable feat in July; however, the country has surpassed all expectations, successfully achieving this milestone ahead of schedule.

Amidst this resounding success, the government’s ambitious target to attract 1.8 million tourists in 2023 now appears more attainable than ever before. With a steady influx of tourists arriving daily and the anticipated surge during the peak tourism season in November and December, the outlook is highly promising. There is a strong indication that not only will the target be met, but there is also potential to surpass it, marking a truly exceptional year for the Maldives’ tourism industry.

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Why Time Is Running Out Across the Maldives’ Lovely Little Islands

Global tourism brought a modern economy to the country’s thousand islands. For many Maldivians, the teeming capital beckons.

Teenagers gathering to watch the sun set in Nolhivaranfaru, a remote island in the Maldives. Credit...

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By Alex Travelli and Maahil Mohamed

Photographs by Elke Scholiers

Reporting from Malé, its nearby islands and Nolhivaranfaru in the Maldives

• April 6, 2024

To live in the Maldives is to live in one of two worlds. Either you belong to the capital — Malé, a micro-Manhattan in the Indian Ocean — or you are out in “the islands,” among the quietest and most remote villages this side of the Arctic tundra.

It is in these places — far from the archipelago’s walled-garden resort atolls, where no Maldivians actually dwell — that the country is picking between two visions of its future, like much of the rest of Asia, but more so.

The outer islands are steadily depopulating, as the appeal of making a life through tuna fishing and coconut farming along their crushed-coral seashores shrinks. The splendid isolation may be what attracts visitors, but it seems incompatible with islanders’ aspirations in a nation modernized by global tourism.

As Maldivians give up on island life, the government feels compelled to keep building up Malé, the country’s one real city. But Malé is already pressed up hard against the limits of human habitation. By some measures, it is the most densely populated island on earth, with over a third of the country’s 520,000 people on a landmass that can be crossed by foot in about 20 minutes.

If more Maldivians are going to move there, its physical structure will need to be radically reworked. In the meantime, it is sprawling outward wherever it can: The government is surrounding Malé with sea bridges to artificial islands packed with housing projects financed by China and India .

On Jan. 22, President Mohamed Muizzu announced his otherworldly vision for an undersea tunnel between Malé proper and a land-reclamation project where Chinese investors will help build 65,000 housing units on what is now barely a sandbar.

Mr. Muizzu, a civil engineer by training, said the tunnel would “provide beautiful views of the sea” as commuters passed through it. (Feasibility to be determined.)

Humay Ghafoor, a researcher who campaigns against environmental degradation, said that “nobody does any assessments” before commissioning “massive infrastructure” projects. This allows an airport, for instance, to be built over a mangrove, destroying a whole island’s freshwater supply.

The Maldives consists of a thousand islands stretched along a 550-mile axis, each one a bit of exposed coral that grew from the rims of a prehistoric range of undersea volcanoes. These form rings called atolls — a word that comes to English from the native Dhivehi language. Most of the 188 inhabited islands have fewer than 1,000 residents.

The resorts — those airy villas floating over turquoise seas — are all on technically “uninhabited” islands. The guests are foreign, and most of the staff is, too, mainly from India and Bangladesh. In some ways, the resorts are like offshore oil rigs, pumping out nearly all of the country’s income. By design, they are divorced from Maldivian culture and abstracted from their South Asian location.

Bay of Bengal

Nolhivaranfaru

The typical inhabited island is likewise rich in sunshine and warmth and has access to a shallow lagoon, palm trees and maybe a mangrove forest. The inhabitants are highly literate, many are English-speaking and they are connected to the rest of the world by the internet, mobile data and long ferry routes.

Their traditions survive, still. Perhaps every island except Malé has a holhuashi, a covered seating platform at its harbor, sometimes circled by hanging woven chairs. Men gather to rest at midday and exchange gossip.

There is little doubt that climate change will eventually bring doom to this country, most of which is just a meter or two above sea level. But that catastrophe is thought to be a century or more away.

Instead, Maldivians are leaving the islands for the sake of their children, looking to Malé and the world beyond. When it comes to education and health care, there is no substitute for city life.

Nolhivaranfaru, a fishhook-shaped bit of powdery white sand, with a green and fertile core between its beaches, is like many of the Maldives’ inhabited islands. Flowering frangipani stand over an Islamic cemetery near its piers, centered around a centuries-old shrine to an Arab pilgrim. It takes 25 minutes by speedboat to reach the nearest landmass and two airplanes from there to get to neighboring India.

That is a journey that Maryam Asima, a 30-year-old mother of twins, made at great cost and personal hardship. She and her husband, the captain of a tourist yacht that docks 175 miles away, near Malé, had been unable to conceive. Two years ago, Ms. Asima and her sister, who was in a similar position, traveled to Kochi, India, a city of 2.1 million, where they made do on their own during 11 months of IVF treatment.

Health care remains rudimentary even on the better connected of the outer islands. Staff at the local clinic scoff at the idea of someday providing IVF. They say quietly that even most emergency care is beyond them: Any patient who needs a ventilator must be flown hundreds of miles away.

Ms. Asima, now back on the island with her 6-month-old twins, says she is satisfied with the results of her ordeal. Her sister has given her a nephew, too. With her encouragement, two other women from the island have become pregnant in the same way. The government has started offering $500 subsidies and the possibility of free air travel for families that need to go abroad for IVF.

She likes the “home feeling” of her island and hopes to send her children to school there, even if they need to travel to a nearby island to see a pediatrician. But this is not her first home: Ms. Asima was born on an even smaller island, Maavaidhoo, which was abandoned after being swamped by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004.

Many Maldivians have been on the move for a generation or more, leaving smaller communities for larger ones. More than anywhere else, those who can afford it go to Malé.

Thirty years ago, it was not unusual for families to send unaccompanied minors on long ferry journeys, of 20 hours or more, to live in Malé. They would stay with distant relatives or even strangers and work as pint-size housekeepers to pay for their room and board as they attended one of the country’s better schools.

Island families still send their children to study in Malé, but usually now they travel as teenagers; better primary schooling is available even in remote places.

The cramped conditions of the capital are the first challenge they face. A compact grid of streets jams pedestrians, motorbikes, workshops and luxury perfumers together like a miniature version of central Hong Kong. One-bedroom apartments rent for five times the starting salary of a government office worker.

Ajuvad, a nervous, soft-spoken 23-year-old, came to Malé at 16 to join his older siblings, six people crammed into three bedrooms. They are all professionals, with jobs as teachers and technicians. But they were raised in another world, a 36-hour ferry ride away. There, the beach was a five-minute walk away with no roads and no motorbikes, and their home was a four-bedroom house that their father, a fisherman, built himself. Their mother made fish paste and sold it to neighbors.

Ajuvad, who asked that his last name be withheld to protect his privacy, remembers the transition as being “quite a challenge.” Having to live without his parents, and without an inch of space to study alone in quiet, he said, “I thought my world had collapsed.”

Ahmed Abbas, a 39-year-old hardware salesman, had an easier time moving into Malé’s urban sprawl from a distant southern island 12 years ago. His family of six shares a two-bedroom apartment in a complex built by Chinese developers, across a sea bridge from the city proper. They spend only half of their income on rent, and he drives to the city, 25 minutes each way, twice a day.

Mr. Abbas studied and worked around South India for many years before settling down. He has seen enough of the world to appreciate his family’s perch, which they share with two love birds: Small, exotic pets are a big business in little Malé.

But he still misses the island life. Back home, it was “nice because the people are nice,” he said, “normal country people, all smiling.”

Alex Travelli is a correspondent for The Times based in New Delhi, covering business and economic matters in India and the rest of South Asia. He previously worked as an editor and correspondent for The Economist. More about Alex Travelli

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