The white sandy beaches, warm sunshine, friendly locals and the tropical weather of Maldives is a sight to behold. And we’re not the only ones saying this, around 1.5 million tourists have visited the Maldives in 2019 as of 24th November. Maldives reached this milestone around 38 days ahead of its estimations according to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). Marina Kazakova from Russia became the 1.5 millionth tourist to set foot in the Maldives this year, surpassing the island’s 2018 international tourist visitation figure of 1.48 million.
What’s In It?
When Russian national Marina Kazakova and her husband reached the Maldives, they were given a grand welcome. The minister of tourism Ali Waheed and other industry officials greeted the couple and there were also Bodu Beru performers. And that’s not all the 1.5 millionth tourist for 2019 to the Maldives even received six free nights at Mirihi Island Resort and free return flights. Now that’s what we call Atithi Devo Bhava!
Also Read: Live In An Underwater Villa At Conard Maldives
It’s interesting to note that that Maldives is one of UK’s top holiday spots according to 2019 figures Around 102,286 visitors from the UK visited the Maldives from January to October. This is also a representation of the 9.6% year-on-year increase in UK arrivals, giving the UK a 7.3% market share of the Maldives’ tourism sector. Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) had around 130 promotional activities including organization of media FAM trip, joint marketing campaigns, attendance at international trade fairs to name a few.
What’s More?
When it comes to India, our desi holidaymakers have become the second-largest market for Maldives tourism industry right after China. In the first half of 2019, there was about a 100% growth in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives. Around 82140 Indian tourists set foot in the Maldives by the end of June this year, giving India a 10% market share.
And now the Maldives is hoping to increase the total visitor arrival figure to 2.5 million tourists per year by the end of 2023. The islands announced its tourism strategy for 2020 which includes an increased focus on promoting its culture and tapping into the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry and sports tourism.
What To Do In Maldives?
So now that we have piqued your interest in this gorgeous island. Let’s tell you that the Maldives is one place where you can visit with your bae, your family, a solo vacation or even a great trip with your gang. There is something for everyone here. For those of you who don’t know this island is officially called the Republic of the Maldives, it’s a tiny island in South Asia situated in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. So yes, it has pristine waters, lush greenery, white sand and a breathtaking landscape that just attracts nature lovers. So when you’re in the Maldives, here’s what you can do.
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Visit A Local Island
The Maldives has beautiful islands which are secluded, pristine and inhabited by locals. Some of the most popular islands are Maafushi, Guraidhoo, Dharavandhoo. You can even visit Eydhafushi which is the capital of Baa Atoll, near Dharavandhoo. Eydhafushi one place where you can find sands in the streets and colourful houses adorning the lanes. It’s charming and there are lots to explore, especially if you’re on a budget. Reside in a quaint guesthouse at the island and witness the breathtaking view of the sea. If you want to know more about visiting the Maldives on a budget, check out the video below.
Try Out Water Activities
If you’re the sort of a person who always prefers beaches over mountains, then the Maldives is your abode. You not only get to stroll around the serene beaches here, but you can also challenge yourself by trying out the water activities. The Maldives is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations, so head to a scuba diving centre and give this a shot. Get close and personal with the exotic marine life.
The waters of Maldives is known for its sea turtles, whale shark migration and stingrays. Apart from scuba diving, you can even try out snorkelling and jet skiing. The colourful school of fishes swimming, little turtles perched on the coral reefs makes it a sight to behold. When you’re here, go for a dolphin excursion and spot the gentle, magnetic creatures flipping and twirling in the clear waters. You can even Experience Yoga At This Underwater Restaurant In The Maldives
Reside At A Gorgeous Resort By The Beach
When you’re in a spell-bounding island surrounded by water on all sides, al you got to do is unleash the water baby in you. Stay at a gorgeous resort by the beach and have a relaxing, luxurious experience. There are many exquisite resorts in the Maldives that you can opt for like the Taj Exotic and the Miriandhoo Resort at the Westin Maldives. You can step right into the ocean once you walk out of your room. You can stay at a unique overwater villa attached to a plunge pool at the Miriandhoo Resort. And all you can witness is the calming, blue waters and the sky merging into one, making it paradise on earth.
Places To Visit In The Maldives
The Maldives might be a tiny little island, but it bustles with culture, history and nature. So if you’re in the Maldives there are amazing places you must visit. Since the list is too long, we will give you some of our favourites to get you started.
Male
Did you know that Male is the smallest national capital in the world? This is one of the most popular places in the Maldives that must be on your list. It’s known for its ancient mosque and vibrant buildings. It’s a casual place to chill with your bae and take a romantic stroll down the lovely lanes.
The National Museum of Maldives
The best way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of a place is to either talk to locals or visit a museum. The National Museum of Maldives has royal antiquities which are from the Buddhist and Islamic era making it a heaven for history fanatics. Spend quality time here to get a deep knowledge about the roots of the people and the feel of this place.
Banana Reef
If you want to experience your own Finding Nemo moment, then head to Banana Reef. It’s interestingly one of the oldest reefs in the world and also a well-known diving site. Sharks, groupers and barracudas inhabit this place. From the first time divers to novices, everyone can splash around and explore the vivid world under the sea. When you’re here pamper yourself with Indulgence Personified At The St Regis, Maldives
Boduberu Show
Bodubera show is a traditional music form founded in the Maldives in the 11th century. This art form has been passed down generations and has made its mark in the culture and traditions of the island. It’s also known as Baburu Lava by the localites. So you must go to a place hosting the Bodubera show in the Maldives it will give you a better understanding f the place and its people.
The Maldives has hit a record of 1.5 million tourists in 2019. Now that we have satiated your curiosity about the things you can do and places you can visit here, it’s time you book your tickets. Be it a romantic getaway, family vacation or a chilled out time with your gang, you can have it all here. So time for some sunshine and beach time. Check out Mauritius v/s Maldives: The Most Frequently Asked Questions ANSWERED!
First Published: December 18, 2019 2:54 PM