A Historical Overview of Tourism in the Maldives
With its natural beauty and friendly people, The Maldives is now considered a tourists’ dream, and it all began 52 years ago with a group of young optimistic dreamers and one island.
How it began
The one island, one resort philosophy that is the basis of a major part of the tourism industry in Maldives was first developed by 4 visionaries. An Italian travel agent, George Corbin, teamed up with a young Maldivian employed at the Sri Lanka Embassy, Ahmed ‘Kerafa’ Naseem, to find a way to open up the well of untapped potential for a tourism industry in the island chain.
Maldives had been previously deemed unfit as a tourism destination due to its tiny airfield and lack of infrastructure by a delegation from the United Nations. Due to this, no effort was made to market the Maldives as a travel destination and no investments were made. But Corbin saw potential in the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters of the archipelago and was determined to showcase the natural splendor of the Maldives.
Development and Opening
After coming into contact with 2 of Naseem’s associates, Hussain ‘Champa’ Afeef and Mohamed Umar (MU) Manik, they began the search for an island suitable to turn their dreams into a reality. Settling on Vihamanaafushi as the short distance to the airport in Hulhule’ and the capital Male’ made its location ideal to transport visitors.
Corbin procured the necessary equipment from Singapore while the other 3 brought their visions into existence. Once they were satisfied with the island and the constructions they made, they named the resort after the Dhivehi word for young coconut, ‘Kurumbaa’.
The first tourists to the newly opened Kurumbaa Island Resort touched down in Maldives on the 16th of February, 1972. The group brought by Corbin consisted of 4 journalists from well-known medias and was mainly comprised of Italians. Thus, the tourism industry of the Maldives was born.
How Tourism Has Prospered
Kurumbaa Island Resort was soon followed by Bandos Island Resort, borrowing the one island one resort philosophy. Tourism has seen a significant boom from the humble beginnings back in 1972, becoming the main pillar for the Maldivian economy beside fisheries and agriculture. The pioneers’ philosophy has become the template and the basis for luxury resorts across the country.
A midrange tourism industry was also brought into existence in 2010, with guest houses centred around foreign tourists popping up around the country, the first of which was built in Maafushi. Aimed for tourists who are looking for budget friendly vacations, this brought a new life to local islands, many of which opened their hearts and services for guests. The local tourism sector is thriving with 869 guesthouses registered by the end of 2022.
Liveaboards, or small cruises are also a very prevalent part of the industry. Offering tourists a chance to travel the picturesque waters of the Maldives with night fishing and snorkeling stops as well as stops to local islands, it opens up the possibility to experience many islands without breaking the bank. By the end of 2022, tourists had 158 vessels to choose from and the number has only increased.
Future Plans
The tourism industry is routinely breaking national records year after year. Bringing in awards and the praise of people all over the globe. Even with the setback suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has regained it’s footing and is once again flourishing. With multiple domestic airports across the nation and reliable ferry travel, islands and resorts have become more accessible than ever before.
The Government has announced plans to turn the currently untapped HDh. Hanimaadhoo, which houses the second biggest international airport in the country to a tourist hub. And has opened for investors to develop resorts in HDh atoll as well.
Maldives continues to develop and progress in the tourism industry with new ideas and visions rejuvenating the sector. It’s no doubt that the country that was once deemed unsuitable for tourism will keep thriving and welcome more guest every year.
