MALDIVES: Remarkable Growth In Maldives Tourism Industry

The Maldives tourism industry has seen a remarkable growth this year, contributing to strengthening the archipelago nation's economy.

The growth has been achieved with the dynamic economic policies introduced by President Abdullah Yameen to transform the economy of Maldives.

Maldives this year unveiled seven new resorts, including Huravalhi Island Resort, featuring the world's largest underwater restaurant.

The government said 20 new resorts would be unveiled next year.

"With the opening of the new resorts and influx of tourism investments, the industry has become a catalyst for the governments key pledge of youth employment," the embassy statement said.

In addition to the new resorts in April, the government also launched the expansion of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport with a 3,400 metre long and 65 metre wide new runway to cater to the expanding tourism industry.

Upon completion of the expansion, 7.5 million passengers would be catered annually, creating thousands of job opportunities for the youth of the country.

Maldivians are esteemed around the World for their hospitality and affability towards their guests. Currently the population of the Maldives is 341,256. Additionally close to 60000 registered foreigners reside in the country.

Maldivians share a similar cultural heritage, history, ancestry, homeland, language and religion. These common factors are the reason for the unity and harmony prevailing in the alluring islands.

Maldivian ancestral roots can be traced back to Sinhala’s of Sri Lanka, Marathi’s and Guajarati’s of India, Arabs, Malays and Northern African dispositions.

Accordingly, Maldivians emerged from a mixed race, which has enriched the culture and history of the country.

Presently Maldivians are adherents of the Sunni School of Islam. Maldivians embraced Islam in 1153 AD and since then the religion has played a key role in shaping the Maldivian society. Some of the famous landmarks in the country have been greatly influenced by Islamic architecture.

Before converting to Islam, the Maldivians were known to practice Buddhism and ancient paganism. Ancient Buddhist ruins are preserved in the country and antique Buddhist artefacts are displayed in the National Museum in Male’.

Traditionally whenever guests visit a local island, the islanders will welcome them by serving a fresh coconut drink. This tradition has continued to this day and do not be surprised if your resort offers a beautifully decorated coconut drink when you reach your destination!

The customs and social behavior of the Maldivians have been greatly influenced by the Indians, Sri Lankans, Arabs and North Africans who visited the Maldives while traversing through the trading routes of the central Indian Ocean. The Maldivian culture is rich and vibrant due to the infusion of various other cultural elements.

Though Maldives was culturally influenced by other traditions, Maldivians have built and preserved an exclusive cultural identity.

Accordingly the Maldivians converse using a language of their own; In 1153 AD Maldivians converted to Islam and the religion has transformed and introduced new fundamentals to the Maldivian culture.

Maldivians inherited a treasure trunk of ancient mythology and folklore that was passed orally through generations. These myths cover fascinating stories on various aspects of island life. Since the islands are surrounded by sea, most folktales depict fearful sea demons and spirits that haunt the islanders.

Traditionally the island communities were very close-knit. This togetherness is still prevailing in the small island societies. Accordingly men will be mainly engaged in fishery, carpentry and toddy tapping. Women were mainly engaged in household duties and raising families. Certain rituals and practices were followed in the islands on special occasions like weddings.

Some of these rituals survive to this day. The advent of tourism in the 1970’s accelerated the modernisation process of the country. Today an increasing number of women hold crucial positions within the public and private sector. As a result of economic growth, dramatic lifestyle changes were introduced.

The Maldives boasts of a rich culture of music and dance. Some of the cultural music and dances can trace their roots to distant continents. Resort islands organize cultural performances to entertain their guests regularly during which you can observe islanders performing traditional music and dance items.

One of the most famous Maldivian cultural displays which involve singing and dancing is called the “Bodu Beru”. The Bodu Beru performers, numbering around 20 will be wearing traditional garb of sarongs and white sleeved shirts. Bodu Beru performance is guaranteed to make you sway along with the drumbeats.

Other traditional music and dance items include; Dhandi Jehun, Langiri, Thaara and Gaa Odi Lava. Most of these items involve rhythmic music and dances using various cultural props. There are some cultural routines exclusively performed by Maldivian women. Bandiyaa jehun, Maafathi Neshun and Bolimalaafath Neshun.

Some of these acts were designed to perform in the royal courts. Indian and Western music have also greatly influenced the musicians of the country. Frequently resorts host performances of local bands to enliven their guests.

Maldivians are known for being avid craftsmen. The intricate stone carvings found in the Friday Mosque in Male’ is a living example of Maldivian craftsmanship. The mastery and inventiveness of Maldivians can be seen in lacquer works, mat weaving, coir rope making and calligraphy.

Traditional dresses and ornaments profess the artistry and creativeness of Maldivian artisans. Such exceptional works can be acquired by visitors as souvenirs. A visit to the Maldives not only guarantees the best vacation of your lifetime, but it also gives you exposure to a great cultural experience.

Male’ is the capital city of the Maldives and the seat of the executive, legislature and judicial branches of the government of the Maldives. Male’ is also the financial and commercial capital of the country. Accordingly major government offices, banks and businesses are based on Male’.

Male’ city is one of the most densely populated cities of the world. Administratively neighbouring islands of Villingili and Hulhumale’ are considered as constituencies of Male’ City. Hulhumale’ is an artificially reclaimed island.

You can reach the bustling capital of the Maldives via ferry boats operated round the clock between the airport island Hulhule’ and Male’ City. There are luxury and budget hotels offering accommodation in the capital. Numerous classy guest houses have also opened up in neighbouring Hulhumale’ and Villingili islands reachable through ferry boats and speed launch transfers.

Once you reach Male’ you will be greeted by a giant flag located in the Republic Square proudly displaying the national colours of the Maldives. This square has a small park where locals and visitors hang-out. The Republic Square is found close to the north shore of Male’.

Right next to the Republic Square you will find the Headquarters of the Maldivian National Defence Force and Maldivian Police Service. The Islamic Centre is also found next to the square.

The Islamic Centre opened in 1984, is a popular attraction for tourists. The Islamic Centre is known for excellent architecture fused with traditional Maldivian and Islamic concepts. The magnificent golden domes of the Centre ornament the skyline of Male’. The interior of the mosque is adorned with intricate wood carvings and Arabic calligraphy.

The building houses the largest mosque in the Maldives named after the national hero of the country Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam. It also has a large conference hall, numerous offices and an Islamic library.

The Friday Mosque is a testament to Maldivian craftsmanship. The mosque was originally built in 1658. The Friday Mosque was mainly built using coral stones. These coral stones display elaborate stone carvings. This historic building preserves to this day traditional Maldivian art forms like wood carvings and lacquer works.

A coral stone minaret is located next to the mosque building. This minaret was previously the tallest minaret in the Maldives. A 17th century cemetery surrounds the Friday Mosque. Gravestones in this cemetery display intricate stone carving. The Friday Mosque is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This shrine is found a few steps away from the Friday Mosque. According to local legend, this shrine is the final resting place of the Moroccan Islamic scholar who is credited with introducing Islam to the nation. The name of the scholar is Abul Barakaath Yoosuf al Barbaree.

Sultan Park is located in front of the Republican Monument unveiled to mark 30 years of independence. The Sultan Park is the best public spot in Male’. Large trees and colourful flowers create a welcoming feel. Previously the Sultan Park site housed Maldivian Royal Palaces.

The National Museum was first opened in 1952. However, the place underwent a major revamping process and a brand new National Museum was opened in 2010. The museum preserves a wealthy collection of items.

Artefacts and relics from pre- Islamic period to post Islamic period are displayed here. Regal dresses and items associated with Maldivian royalty can be explored. A rich collection depicting Maldivian craftsmanship and artistry is also displayed. You will even have the chance to discover moon rocks in the museum.

The Tsunami Monument is located in the southwest corner of Male’. This monument commiserates the devastation caused to the Maldives by the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami.

Many lives were lost and inhabited islands were decimated that day. The stainless steel structure has round circles representing the number of the people killed during the Tsunami.

The Tsunami Monument is located next to the most popular surfing area of Male’. There are many parks and street vendors around the area.

A visit to the Maldives is not complete without visiting the epicentre of the country. Indulge in shopping in various markets and shops spread across Male’. Feast from excellent restaurants and cafes offering international and local cuisine.

MALDIVES: Maldives Declares State Of Emergency,Large Protest Planned,As Tourism Gets Affected

A newly imposed state of emergency should not affect holidaymakers in the Maldives, though cancellations are expected.

Tourists visiting the Maldives have been told that a state of emergency, declared by the country’s president ahead of a large anti-government rally, should not affect their holiday.

President Abdulla Yameen has imposed a 30-day state of emergency across the whole country limiting the constitutional freedoms of locals to meet and travel, and increasing powers of arrest.

The Foreign Office has told British travellers, however, that there will be no restrictions on tourist movements and that holiday resorts are “unlikely to be significantly affected.”

It suggests though that Britons should take extra care and follow local advice.

A statement from the Maldives' ministry of tourism said: "The Ibrahim Nasir International Airport and all domestic airports, tourist resorts, tourist hotels, tourist guest houses, tourist accommodating vessels (safari boats), marinas are in full operation. International and domestic flights, sea plane operations and all modes of transport are in operation.

"Public safety is of paramount importance and the government assures the safety of the destination."

The state of emergency follows the arrest of the country’s vice president on October 24 and allegations of an assassination plot against the president. An explosion aboard Yameen's speedboat on September 28 wounded his wife and two others.

The Maldivian National Defence Force also said this week that it had found and defused a remote-controlled bomb near the president's official residence.

Tourists, who generally pass their time in an isolated bubble in on one of the country's numerous island resorts, reached by seaplane from the country’s capital Male, are not being advised to change their travel plans. But the move may put some off visiting and further tarnish the country’s reputation as a peaceful honeymoon destination.

Despite State of Emergency, situation in Maldives remains calm and normal. There are no restrictions for visitors to travel to Maldives.

“This hasn’t happened for a very long time and details about the state of emergency are very sketchy,” said a representative from the campaign group Ethical Maldives, who asked to remain anonymous. “But visitors should be warned that there is a large protest planned.

“There is also lots of police activity taking place in Male, with people’s homes being raiding. I’m concerned because tourists tend to spend a lot of money during Christmas and New Year. I spoke to a local hotelier who said the industry could be at breaking point if they don’t hit 55 – 60 per cent occupancy, which they need during this period.

“The people who will be put off the most will be the Chinese as they always cancel bookings after a big protest.”

"The resorts have long operated as almost a separate nation state to the rest of the Maldives," said JJ Robinson, author of The Maldives. "Tourists arrive on the airport island and are immediately whisked off to their resorts via speedboat or seaplane, never even stepping foot on an island Maldivians consider to be 'inhabited'."

As the vast majority of tourism employees are foreign workers, he said the resorts are largely insulated from political events such as the state of emergency.

"During the 2012 coup and the fall of the fledgling democracy, tourists barely looked up from their daiquiris," he added. "The country seems able to have pro-ISIS street rallies on islands barely a few hundred metres from sunlounging, bikini clad, cocktail sipping tourists without any kind of internal contradiction."

Indeed, despite the recent unrest, tourism – the archipelago's mainstay – has up until now remained robust, with more than one million visitors arriving a year.

There a signs though that President Yameen, who came to power in November 2013 following a controversial election, faces international censure over his crackdown on opponents of his regime.

In March, opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected leader, was jailed as the result of a rushed trial which the UN said was seriously flawed.

A rally is planned by the MDP in Male in the hope of pressuring Yameen to release Nasheed, whose incarceration has been severely criticised by the UN and international rights groups.

The Foreign Office warns that demonstrations have led to violence and arrests. “You should take appropriate security precautions,” it states, “comply with local security requirements and avoid large gatherings, protests and rallies.”

It also reminds travellers that there is no British Embassy or Consulate in Maldives and that those needing consular assistance should contact the British High Commission in Sri Lanka.

Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, this year shelved plans to visit the Maldives, a move seen as a rebuke to Yameen.