Destination Overview
The Maldives has approximately 1,190 islands in their chain of 26 coral atolls, where only 200 of these islands are inhabited, and 110 are established as tourist resorts. The remaining coral islands are virtually untouched, and wild in nature, and are perfect for tourists to explore and experience an authentic Maldivian tropical getaway.
Tourism in the Maldives took off in the early 1970’s with the opening of Male’ International Airport which still serves as the main gateway to the Maldives. Since then, the industry has been growing at a rapid pace, soon becoming the biggest contributor to the Maldivian economy, with its benefits trickling down to numerous sectors and generating countless jobs and opportunities for the local population.
The Maldives is well known for its iconic one island one resort concept which was born through well governed and controlled tourism development policies since the industry’s inception. The standard of services and facilities offered has been in continuous evolution, from humbly appointed resort facilities meeting basic tourist needs to extravagant establishments pampering tourists like royalty. The Maldives as a tourist destination has now become the epitome of ultimate tropical luxury, featuring some of the world’s most innovative tourist products and becoming one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.