MALDIVES: TOURISM DESTINATION COLLATERAL PROJECT

Venture through pristine waters

Have an overview about the Maldives and its beautiful attractions, landmarks, and natural beauty.

"Always Natural

Be informed about the Maldives' culture, history, and local traditions.

Thinking of booking a trip to the Maldivian archipelago?

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Fast facts

Have you ever gone to such a beautiful destination?

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a beautiful destination country consisting of a string of coral islands. It is an earthly paradise with pristine beaches for visitors, especially those who are into adventure and exploration. In Maldives, one can truly experience and feel the warm welcome of peace and tranquility.

The Maldives forms part of a large archipelago of linked islands called atolls. The country comprises 26 individual atolls. However, the Maldivian government has split the islands into 20 individually named atolls. Some of which being Haa Alif Atoll (HA), Shaviyani Atoll (Sh), and Vaavu Atoll (V).

Where do you want to create memorable experiences?

1. Banana Reef

It is globally renowned for being one of the best diving sites in the world It is the very first diving spot in Maldives to get recognition for licensed diving and training The facilities available in this attraction include underwater activities (scuba diving, snorkeling, and jet skiing) Some places to visit in this attraction are Maldive Victory, Hulhumal-, Alimatha Island, Biyadhoo Island, and Manta Point There are also several luxurious accommodations available here like the Coco Bodhu Hithi, Paradise Island Resort & Spa, and Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas

2. Bikini Beach

This beach in Maldives is among the top places to visit in the country as it is dotted with palm trees Tourists would soak in the warm sun rays and enjoy snorkeling and swimming in this attraction This beach is located on Rasdhoo Island

3. Addu Atoll

This is one of the most popular and spectacular islands in the southernmost atoll of Maldives Here, tourists may go diving, snorkeling, and fishing

4. Hanifaru Bay

This tourist attraction in Maldives is identified as a marine protected area. It is located in a vast UNESCO Biosphere Reserve called Baa Atoll. Here, you can find white sand beaches, pristine blue lagoon, and serene navy blue ocean waters. Tourists often visit this attraction for the largest manta ray feeding station. Other activities that one may do here include scuba diving and snorkeling.

Male City

The capital of Maldives, Male City, is considered to be a natural paradise for tourists as it gives them the opportunity to capture beautiful memories and mesmerizing experiences It is also a beautiful place for water sports lovers The major attractions that can be done here include swimming, fishing, and witnessing carnivals and parades.

Dhadimagi Kilhi

Located on the Fuvahmulah Atoll of Maldives, Dhadimagi Kilhi is one of the best places to visit in Maldives It is known to be the second largest freshwater lake in the country, with greenery surrounding on all sides Locals and tourists may enjoy fishing, swimming, and riding the boat here

Culture, history, and traditions

The culture of Maldives is based on the lifestyle found within its islands and revolves around the waters and the seas. It is influenced by the cultures of the Indians, Africans, Arabs, and the Sri Lankans.

Its official language is called Dhivehi (Indo-Iranian Sanskritic origin). It is known to be related to Sinhalese (the language of Sri Lanka) and other Indian languages. However, they are not mutually intelligible anymore. This language in particular can be written in the Thaana script. Just like the Arab languages, the script is written from right to left.

In the Maldives, the only official and only allowed religion is Islam. In fact, one has to be a Sunni Muslim in order to be a citizen of the Maldives or to own land.

Arts and crafts are also a part of the culture of the Maldives. In fact, the Maldivians are known to be expert craftsmen. They are incredibly skilled when it comes to wood carving and lacquer work. Works such as carvings at a mosque, woven mats made from reeds, and jewelry are examples of the crafts made and found in Maldives.

The Maldives’ cuisine is dependent on the sea, which is why seafood is considered to be an integral part of The Maldives’ culture. Additionally, the cooking style is influenced by styles of the Arab, Indian, and Sri Lankan Other ingredients used in the cuisine of Maldives include coconut, coconut oil, and milk Some of the top dishes of the Maldives are Garudhiya (fish broth served with rice, lime, chili, and onions), Mas huni (smoked shredded fish served with grated coconuts and onions), and Fihunu mas (barbecued fish basted with chili)

Mas huni Fihunu mas

This destination country has been inhabited since the 5th century BC There have been early settlers who came from Sri Lanka and India. These inhabitants initially believed in Buddhism. However, as time flew, the Maldives eventually practiced Islam under Arab influence In the present time, locals and tourists may journey around the Maldives and come across several mosques around Malé, the capital of Maldives, just like the Islamic Centre and Sultan’s Park

Included also in Maldives’ historical roots and unique past is the abundant supply of cowrie shells These were known to be the very first form of the ancient currency used in the country (called Cypraea moneta) and had great importance on the major Indian Ocean trade routes.

The Maldives has an incredibly rich history, most especially because they are situated in the Indian Ocean.

They were influenced by the North Indian styles of music and dance Such traditional dances continue to be inspired from the Northern Indian classical dance form of Kathak. In addition, there are old Hindi songs that remain popular these days and serve as inspiration for the numerous Maldivian songs out there

Along with music and dances, instruments are often used when Maldivians are performing. One popular instrument used is the bulbul tarang– an Indian banjo or string instrument. Other known instruments used in performances are drums like the Boduberu to bring out the North–African roots especially in the incorporated beats.

Aside from music and dance, festivals are very common in Maldives. Since Islam is the primary religion in the country, it is often Islamic festivals that are being celebrated One major festival is called the Eid, reveled with pomp Another known festival is the Birthday of the Prophet where one may see people praying in the mosques of Maldives.

Music and dance are integral parts of the tradition and culture of the Maldives.

SCUBA DIVING

The Maldives is known to be one of the premier destinations for scuba diving. In this country, there are several affordable yet reliable PADI dive centers– perfect for interested divers who are not licensed and just want to go on a discovery dive. Tourists often enjoy this activity in the Maldives given that the country has an abundance of life underwater where one may find stingrays, whale shark migration, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

SNORKELING

For those who are not looking into scuba diving, snorkeling is a great activity to immerse yourself in to discover the Maldives’ marine life. Other than sea turtles, you can also come across large schools of colorful fish swimming together with the tides along with diverse corals and other aquatic creatures.

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING

Most islands in the Maldives are surrounded by calm, shallow waters; which is why stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding is one of the best activities to do when one is traveling to Maldives. It is a great option for those who want to venture through the safe bays and see the fish swimming right below.

SURFING

The Maldives is considered as a worldclass surfing destination. It is certainly one of the most beloved water sports in the destination country. With gigantic waves that form and curl, many surfers and adventure enthusiasts from across the globe prefer to travel to the country with the best break in the world.

Tourist Arrivals

Tourism Receipts

Tourism Accommodation (Operational Capacity)

2022

Resorts/Marinas:168

Hotels:13

SafariVessels:158

Guesthouses:865

Homestay:4

Bedsintotal:59,625

2020

2021

Resorts/Marinas:161

Hotels:10

SafariVessels:145

Guesthouses:613

Bedsintotal:53,160

Resorts/Marinas:141

Hotels:11

SafariVessels:130

Guesthouses:254

Bedsintotal:41,580

REIMAGINING TOURISM

Just like every country around the globe, the Maldives was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers have dropped compared to 2019, many tourists and locals were forced to stay home–affecting the tourism industry. Consequently, this created an impact on the lives of the tourism industry workers in a way that the businesses they worked for had to be shut down or they had to go back to square one and find ways to earn again In the Maldives, this specifically happened to the many guesthouses that served the public.

Reimagining Tourism is a project that is looking to contribute to the guesthouses that were hit by the pandemic The project aims to help in the recovery of the Maldivian tourism industry in hopes of going back to pre-pandemic levels, or, even better, exceed pre-pandemic levels. The project is looking into making use of the opportunity to be more resilient through the investments they will be utilizing to ensure sustainability and inclusivity

The tourism industry has been the largest contributor to the economic growth of the Maldives, having a share of more than a quarter of the Maldives’ national income This has been the case ever since 1972–the inception of the industry When the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decline in tourism arrivals for the Maldives This was until international borders opened for traveling in July 2020, and the country became one of the few high performing tourist destination countries in the world.

One project of the Maldives for the current year is the expansion of the Velana International Airport, which is scheduled to be completed this year (2023). It is designed to have 78,000 m2 of floor space, to cater and accommodate over 7 28 million passengers every year The airport is set to have their terminals handle 14 international air traffic movements, serve more than 1700 arrival passengers and 1600 departing passengers every hour The Velana International Airport will also soon have luxury duty free boutiques, international brands from all over the world, and food & beverage facilities to cater diverse customers with various culinary preferences.

As of today, the Maldives has been able to gradually recover through the launch of islands mv, their tourism website, to promote the local island tourism opportunities and services to the public Through this website, all 189 inhabited islands of the country were given the opportunity to market their destination. 17

VELANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXPANSION PROJECT

EXPANSION OF MALDIVES’ GAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The project funded by Exim Bank is for the expansion and modernization of the Gan International Airport infrastructure The Maldives government has been able to contract India-based Renaatus Projects into the start of the said project The $29 million contract will include the construction of air traffic control towers and fire stations, as well as the upgrading and renewing of existing terminal facilities, parking facilities, roads, duty free shops, and restaurants. This project in discussion is set to complete by the year 2025