Throughout 2022, the Maldives will be celebrating 50 years since tourism to this spellbinding island-nation began.

It's hard to believe that this iconic destination began life as a one-resort destination with very rustic accommodation and no experience of catering to visitors. 

The Maldives now has nearly 200 resorts across 26 natural atolls, around 10 of which opened in 2021. A further 12 are scheduled to open in 2022, giving a stunning array of choice for all kinds of holidaymakers, from couples to families, from luxury-seekers to adventurers. And as a region, the Maldives is also seeing a new drive for sustainability – a change reflected in some of the eco-friendly activities being offered by many of its resorts.

A Short History of Tourism in the Maldives

Until 1972, the Maldives was a remote archipelago inhabited only by fishing families, unknown to the outside world, with only a small airstrip on Hulhule Island, built by volunteers and with no regular flights. There were no banks and no telephones, only ham radio and Morse code contact. With little infrastructure, it seemed an unlikely destination for international tourists.       

Then came a chance meeting in Sri Lanka between George Corbin, an Italian travel agent seeking pristine islands to which to bring Italians for swimming and fishing, and Ahmed Naseem, a junior with the Maldives Embassy who later became Foreign Minister.

The two visited Malé by cargo ship in 1971, and Corbin vowed to return with guests. The following February he brought mainly journalists and photographers to stay in modest lodgings in three houses in Malé. These first visitors were enchanted by the Maldives' swimming, sunbathing and fishing, and Corbin promised to bring more tourists if there was somewhere to stay.

Vihamanaafushi island, an uninhabited coconut plantation, was chosen for its proximity to the airstrip and the capital, and the Maldives' first resort, Kurumba, was constructed there. Accessible only by sailing dhoni or open boat with outboard motor, it had no jetty, so guests had to wade through the surf on arrival. Thirty rooms were built of coral stone, coconut timber and palm thatch, each with a brackish water shower and toilet, rudimentary furniture, and direct beach access. Meals were served in a canteen or as barbecues on the beach. But after opening on 3rd October 1972, the resort was fully booked for the rest of the year. It still exists today, as a world-class resort with 180 rooms, suites and villas, including the Royal Residence, Presidential Suites and Pool Villas.

About The Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC)

The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is the national tourism office of the Maldives responsible for carrying out promotional activities to become the most preferred island destination of the world under the theme of the Maldives...the Sunny Side of Life; whilst adhering to its mission to promote quality and sustainable growth in the local tourism industry to deliver long term economic, social and cultural benefits to the country.

About AVIAREPS

AVIAREPS is the world's leading international sales, marketing and communications company for travel and lifestyle brands. Since the company's founding in Germany in 1994, its talented team of local travel experts has helped more than 250 clients grow their business around the world, utilizing the group's diversified service portfolio that encompasses everything from GSA and public relations services, to IT, web design and virtual events. The AVIAREPS global network now spans 67 owned offices in 45 countries across six continents.

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