Maldives Tourism

Maldives Tourism is the largest source of income in the Maldives.  Previously, fishing was the most important industry, but tourism became a larger source of income about 10 years ago, thanks to the high employment and foreign investment generated by Maldives Tourism.

Maldives Tourism is centered around the water

Maldives Tourism Attractions

The principal attractions in Maldives Tourism are focused around the waters of the Maldives.  While there are a few activities to be done on dry land, the majority of any tourist’s time in the Maldives is spent on the beach or in the water.  The following are our top ten Maldives Tourism Activities:

• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Windsurfing
• Catamaran Sailing
• Sunset Cruises
• Big-Game Fishing
• Night-Diving
• Spa Treatments at the Resorts
• Sunbathing
• Shopping in Male

Scuba Diver with Manta Rays

Maldives Tourism History

The first tourist resort in the Maldives opened in 1972, which is when Maldives Tourism really began.  It is said that the first group of real tourists visited this resort in 1972, when they spent 12 days in the amazing country.  Prior to this event, the United Nations had deemed the Maldives an unsuitable tourism destination.  Since the opening of the first resort in the Maldives, tourism to the island nation has grown consistently.  There are now more than 80 resorts, located all over the islands and atolls of the Maldives, providing unique island resort hideaways to some of the planet’s most discerning travelers.

Bandos Maldives Tourism Resort

Maldives Tourism Accommodation Options

Scuba Diving Liveaboards

For scuba divers enjoying Maldives Tourism, the best way to experience the Maldives is by liveaboard scuba diving ship. Scuba diving holidays aboard liveaboards allow scuba divers to visit many different dive sites all around the Maldives, as the divers literally ‘live aboard’ the ship during the holiday.  But scuba diving is not the only aspect of Maldives Tourism covered on these holidays.  Guests on scuba diving liveaboards also partake in many other activities, including snorkeling, fishing, sightseeing trips to Male, the capital of the Maldives, and visits to other islands, to experience a real Maldivian community.  Scuba diving liveaboards can also be really luxurious, yet the prices are extremely affordable in comparison with many of the resorts in the Maldives.  For great liveaboard deals, check out the offers on Maldives Dive Travel.

Maldives Tourism Liveaboard MV Orion

Resorts

There are many resorts, dotted around the islands of the Maldives, most of which are located on their own private islands.  Some of the resorts are among the most unique and luxurious resorts in the world, and guests visiting the high-end resorts in the Maldives will delight in the gourmet cuisine, stunning accommodations and relaxing spa therapies. To find out more information about resorts in the Maldives, and read user reviews, check out Maldives Reviews.

Maldives Tourism Statistics

In 2008, more than 600,000 foreign tourists visited the Maldives to participate in Maldives Tourism. Note, the population of the country is only 300,000!  The former President of the Maldives, President Ibrahim Nasir is said to have first impulsed Maldives Tourism. Annually, Maldives Tourism accounts for 28% of the country’s GDP.