How paradise was discovered: The birth of Maldives Tourism

Maldives Resorts History: A captivating story you should know before traveling to Maldives

What comes in your mind when you hear the word “ Maldives!!!!” - Beautiful coral island, mesmerizing Crystal blue ocean, white sandy beach with palm trees lean on toward the ocean and a perfect island holiday vibe with hypnotizing ocean sound….yes, these all can experience when you visit this beautiful country. Every year throughout the world, travel lovers come Maldives for their much awaited holiday and spend a quality time with their beloved one. This country is truly blessed with Natural beauty.

Maldives is the smallest country in Asia. It has about 1190 islands, However only 200 islands are inhabited. Maldives local language is called “Dhivehi” but English is vastly used in this country. Total population of Maldives is about 4,27,0000 and the capital city is “Male.”

The Maldives has won commendable title such as “Sunnyside of life” “Paradise on earth.” You can find out renowned hospitality industries business chain over here. Total number of resort in Maldives at present 176 and guest house number is 809. More resorts and guest house coming up soon. Maldives is a fast-growing business in Tourism industries. It makes this country economy more strong day by day. Such a stable growing business of tourism which brings lots of love, respect, and name for this country, do you know!!! how did it happen and who are the people behind this!!!! When you look back the history of Maldives tourism, it has a fascinating story to tell.

Maldives Tourism History:

Mr.George Carbin who was an Italian traveler visited south Asian countries, searching for a new destination specially untouched tropical places in Colombo, he met Mr.Kerefa Ahmed Naseem at the Maldives high commission. Mr.Naseem expressive personality and confident impressed Mr.Corbin and provided him information about the untouched Maldives. Guess what!!!! The door of “Paradise on earth” about to open. Mr.corbin was convinced and traveled Maldives in 1971 by a cargo ship “Maldives Exporter” with Mr.Naseem. An Italian photographer, Mr.Benini, also accompanied Mr.Cobin on this discovery.

As soon as Mr.Corbin arrived Maldives, he realized that it could be a tourist heaven and decided, he had found the perfect destination for holiday. In Male, he met an enthusiastic young entrepreneur Mr.Mohamed Umar Maniku and they were both very keen to introduce this magnificent natural beauty to the rest of the world. Mr.Corbin traveled some nearby islands by boats owned by Kelige, the home of Mr.Maniku. Mr.Carbin and Mr.Benini had an excellent time, they photographed picture-perfect island and writing text about the beautiful Maldives. The Maldivian guide who accompanied him most of the trips was Mr.Champa Hussain Afeef.

As soon as Mr.Corbin returned to Italy, he published an article about his new breathtaking discovery. They also wrote a book called “ Duemila isole felici.” which was published in 1973.

The italian tour organizer started to prepare a first tourist group to set their feet on Maldives white sand and breathtaking natural view. “I could feel the potential that these beautiful islands could offer the tourists,” said Mr.Corbin. The history is witness and a new era began in February 1972 when an air Ceylon chartered flight landed on hulhule tiny airstrip. Among the 22 Italian tourists, some were writers and photographers who were fascinated with the beautiful Maldives, at their first sight. Their accommodation was arranged at capital Male at three different houses. During their 12 days staying, they visited local and uninhabited islands, swimming, snorkeling around the house reef areas and hunting fishes. Mr.M.U.Maniku, Mr.Ahmed Naseem and Mr.Hussain Afeef accompanied them. With unforgettable memories, they flew back to Italy. They expressed their feelings and experiences about the untouched tropical paradise Maldives in Newspaper through their photographs and texts. This opened the door for the world to experiences the untouched Maldives tropical islands.

Mr.Cobin promised Mr.Maniku, Mr.Naseem, and Mr.Afeef that if they could arrange a place for tourists, he could bring more. This idea changed Maldives tourism history and first resort in Maldives “Kurumba” was born. They started to build the first resort in Maldives on Vihamannafushi ( now Kurumba ) which was closer to capital male and airstrip in hulhule. Moreover, it had a beautiful beach and house reef which was good for snorkeling.

The concept of this project was very simple and back to nature. Rooms were constructed by coral stone from surrounding reef, the roof was covered by thatch and coconut timber was used as a pillar and bim. The beachfront room which is still a popular concept for resort was having basic furniture with shower water and toilet. A ceiling fan was for cooling the room and two generators for electricity supply. Foods were served at a small restaurant. Local staffs without formal training were employed throughout the resort. “ I was the cook, Gardener and room boy. We had to do everything by ourselves,” said Mr.Maniku who played a major role to established Kurumba village “ We had nothing in the Maldives then, nothing. No Banks, no airport, no telephones only ham radio or Morse code with Colombo. Even the UNDP experts said that tourism would never succeed because there were no facilities, no infrastructure." There was no facilities and training for construction at that time. They used to bring construction material by a sailing boat to this island. Everything was new for these talented Maldivians. The workmanship and highly determine with innovation overcome the obstacles.

On 3rd October 1972, Kurumba village was opened with 30 rooms. The first tourist groups visited Kurumba was an Italian group and since after different nationality started to visit. Mr.M.U.Maniku is the pioneer of Maldives tourism. He is the visionary, dynamic, hardworking, talented person who introduced Maldives tourism with rest of world. Mr.M.U.Maniku is chairman of most prestigious and successful resort group in Maldives “Universal Enterprises.”

Second resort in Maldives opened very soon after Kurumba village. On 10th December 1972, Bandos resort began its journey. Mr.Ibrahim Naseer former president of Maldives had initiated for this project.

After that, Maldives tourism didn't look back, it became the fastest growing business. Throughout the world, people started to visit and day by day the number of tourists increases every year. Maldives become the most favorite holiday destination because of its diversity and simplicity.

Traveling is good for your health and soul. Lots of research have shown the benefit of traveling. In our hectic stressful life, a little break can increase our creativity and good for mental health as well. When you make plan for a holiday, many people face the financial obstacle which is disheartened sometimes. Some travel hack you can use to get the best of it. Kamelia is a travel blogger and passionate traveler. She has written many travel hacks from her personal long travel experiences which will surely help you financially if you need any tips.

Some common Dhivehi phrases are given below that you can use in your holiday:

• How are you? “Haalu Kihinah”

• Good, Thank you. “ Ran’galhu, Shukuriyyaa.” if answer “Not Good” “ Ran’galhu noon.”

• Thank you. “ Shukuriyyaa.”

• You are welcome. “ Maruhabaa.”

• What is your name? “ Kon Nameh Kiyanee?”