Can you tell me about how over the past several decades the Maldives has gone from nothing to everything in tourism, and what we can expect in the near future?

Tourism began here about 45 years ago with the opening a handful of very small resorts. At the time, the accommodations were fairly simple and in the local style. Today, the Maldives is known as one of the most luxurious destinations in tourism. Anything luxury, you name it, it's here in the Maldives. Increasingly now, however, the Maldives is not just for the luxury traveller; we are developing subsections of super luxury, luxury, middle and economy classes of travel, making the country accessible for those looking for a more affordable holiday here. The current strategy of His Excellency President Abdulla Yameen is to further develop the tourism infrastructure, including mega projects such as the expansion of the international airport and the building of a bridge between Malé and Hulhumalé. These projects will be completed by the middle of next year and will help us to increase the current capacity of 1.5 million tourists per year to 7.5 million per year.



How is the government and Visit Maldives catering to the expected influx of tourists to the islands? What is it doing to guarantee that the destination still maintains its seclusion and privacy while also satisfying new types of customers?

The Maldives has been a hub for tourism innovation. We have the world's first and largest underwater restaurants, underwater nightclubs, underwater spas, and full-fledged underwater hotels will open next year. We are blessed with the natural resources of sun, sand and sea, which possess unparalleled beauty. We are also unique because we provide one single island specifically catered to tourists and this allows us to create an exclusive experience for those who are looking for it. But nowadays we are noticing changes in customers travel patterns and in market interest, particularly in the economy travel market, to integrate the tourist experience with the local communities. This is a different mix of products and services than the super luxury travel experience.

In addition, the Maldives is a 100% Muslim country, and I think that makes us very fortunate as we think about targeting Middle Eastern customers. We have this common ground that signals to our Muslim customers that we can guarantee them comfort during their time in the Maldives.

What makes the Maldives a unique experience for Muslim visitors?

We are a 100% Muslim country and our offerings, such as food, accommodation, activities are design to give our Muslim brothers and sisters a very unique and exclusive experience here in Maldives.


You mentioned that new tourism infrastructure is being built around the local communities in the Maldives. How are those new facilities empowering local communities?

Tourism development on the local islands has been very successful in building our economy – 70% of our economy directly and indirectly comes from the tourism sector so locals increasing their share of the tourism economy is important.


Could you tell me about the niche markets within the sector that you are looking to explore how you are attracting new visitors?

His Excellency President Yameen launched initiatives to develop integrated resorts on separate islands where we provide affordable accommodation for mid-range segments, the largest segment for tourism in the world. The projects will create hubs developed for locals to increase market share and involvement in the economy.

In 2016 the Maldives' ambition was to double tourism numbers from the Middle East. Have you reached that goal and what is your strategy for attracting visitors from the Middle East, both Muslim and non-Muslim?

We've had some structural limitations that have constrained our ability to reach those goals. Increasing the capacity of the country's airport will allow us to bring more visitors into the country. I think by the end of 2018 we will be able to enhance our capacity to achieve up 7.5 million visitors per year.


So if we're going from 1.4mil to 7.5 mil visitors—that would represent more than 500% growth.

Exactly. Currently, the airport allows us to park 8-10 wide body aircrafts at a time, and it takes 10-15 minutes to take off and land, which really limits the amount of traffic we can handle during desirable hours. We also currently have limited bed capacity. The president made a pledge to open 50 resorts during a five year period. So far we have opened 30 resorts. Although we have not hit our visitor target yet, we are getting there.


How would you like the Maldives' brand to be perceived internationally?

When it comes to brand, the Maldives is recognised all over the world as one of the most luxurious brands. We're no longer a new brand in that regard. During the last four years of tourism diversification we have been implementing the president's plan to increase locals' share of the industry. We are working to send the message across the world that the Maldives is no longer expensive. For those who want to travel here, there are categories of accommodation and facilities available to a variety of budgets so more people can enjoy our blessed natural beauty.

In what ways can leisure and business combine for travellers?

In terms of business, there are plenty of opportunities. The Maldives has always relied heavily on imports, whether it is toothpicks, heavy machinery and sometimes even fish. So there is a huge market for businesses in the Maldives. Also, the country is moving towards event tourism, having business travellers come to the Maldives for corporate retreats and conferences. I think that will be the next area of focus for the country. Once our infrastructure plan is complete, there will be conference centres all across the country and we are hoping to open a mega-facility for events next year.


As managing director of Visit Maldives what is your vision?

His Excellency President Yameen has a very ambitious plan to develop the country. My job is to contribute to it. If we can be a part of his dream, I think this is the best achievement that any one of us can hope to achieve. He is doing it for all of us and for generations to come. My aim is to do whatever I can to promote Maldives tourism to international platforms, both in existing and new markets. I'm also interested in building sustainable infrastructure that protects our natural treasures.


As the person responsible for the tourism brand of the Maldives how would you express the president's vision in one sentence?

His Excellency President Yameen is a visionary leader whose focus is to transform the entire spectrum of socio economics and the tourism sector of the country, if not the whole face of the Maldives.