Maldives Sees Unexpected Growth in Tourist in 2007 and 2008

The Maldives tourism industry has been experiencing a period of unbridled growth over the 2006-2007 period, and with improved and expanded tourist facilities in the pipeline for 2008, the boom is predicted to continue in the coming year.

An 8.5% increase in the number of visitors to the Maldives was anticipated for 2007, although the actual figure has been recorded as an unprecedented 12.3% rate of growth when compared to 2006, which was also a record year.

The Maldives attracted the majority of their visitors from Europe, with most tourists coming from the UK, Italy, Germany and France; there was also a marked increase, however, in the number of Asian visitors, in particular from Japan and China.

The total bed nights for 2007 were 5,293,224, which represents a 9.7% increase compared with 2006; the average stay per tourist has also shown a slight rise, from 8 days in 2006 to 8.5 in 2007.

Maldives Tourism Promotion Bureau Director General Dr. Abdullah Mausoom said: “2007 was a record breaking year in the history of tourism and we look forward to a similar year in 2008.

"Increased accessibility with greater air transportation and the diversity of the product that is the Maldives have attracted so many tourists into the country.”

Many projects are underway to encourage an even higher number of visitors in 2008.

On January 29th, for example, the Maldives second international airport in Addu atoll had its grand opening; during the ceremony, President Gayoom emphasised that this project would result in a huge boost to the local economy.

The opening of Gan International Airport was compounded by the news that the adjoining Herathere Resort, consisting of 600 beds, was also now ready for business.

To further accommodate the rising number of tourists to the Maldives, another hotel on the Addu Atoll is now under construction, and is due to open by late summer 2008.

The Villigili Resort has been jointly funded by the government and Addu Investment Private Ltd., and upon completion will offer 142 rooms.

Such projects which expand tourist accommodation across the Maldives are much needed at the moment; Dr. Mausoom explains: “Another 3,000 beds are required in order to meet the rising demand of tourist arrivals for this year.”

Source: emerging-market.org