yearbook 2009.indd - Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture

T o u r i s m 

Yearbook 

2 0 0 9 

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture 

Republic of Maldives

T o u r i s m 

Yearbook 

2 0 0 9 


Republic of Maldives

© Copyright Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, 2009 

Tourism Yearbook 2009 

ISBN 99915-95-45-7 

First Print: May 2009 

Produced and Published by 

Statistics & Research Section 

Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture 

6th Floor, ADK Tower 

Ameer Ahmed Magu 

Male’ 20094 

Republic of Maldives 

Tel: +960 330 4952 

Fax: +960 330 4951 

E-mail: stat@maldivestourism.gov.mv 

Website: www.tourism.gov.mv 

Data Compilation & Verification: 

Mariyam Sharmeela, Silma Ali, Aishath Yamna 

Concept: 

Mariyam Sharmeela, Aminath Fazla 

Layout & Design: 

Mariyam Sharmeela 

Editor: 

Moosa Zameer Hassan 

Cover Photos: 

Ahmed Shareef Nafees, Muhamed (Muha), Moosa Easa, Caroline Von Tuemplin, Mohamed Azmeel, 

Mohamed Musaaidh, Mohamed Siraj (Sidey) 

Inside Photos: 

Shazeen Abdul Samad, Andrea Pohlman, Caroline Von Tuemplin, Shaahina Ali 

Printed by: 

M7 Print Private Limited

Welcome to the Tourism Yearbook 2009! It is with great pleasure that I present to you this 

annual publication of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. 

Undoubtedly tourism is a very dynamic sector and timely dissemination of statistics is 

vital due to the significance of the industry. With this in mind, the Tourism Yearbook is 

published with the objective of providing comprehensive and latest statistical information 

on tourism industry, to the relevant Government authorities as well as private sector, 

institutions and individuals. This annual publication highlights key tourism indicators of 

the Maldives for the past five years and provides information on the performance of the Maldives tourism 

industry in 2008. 

Year 2008 had been an eventful year for the Maldives, in terms of politics within the country as well as 

economic changes in the Maldives and around the world. While the Maldives welcomed a new administration 

of government, international tourism was being challenged by a deteriorating global economy. Growth in 

international tourist arrivals worldwide slowed down drastically during the last half of the year. Tourist 

arrivals to the Maldives increased by just about 1% showing that the Maldives tourism is highly dependent 

on the world economic situation. As the current troubled world economic scenario is expected to continue 

well into 2009 and beyond, international tourism is expected to stagnate. 

We have witnessed in the past that tourism, regardless of its vulnerability towards devastating crisis, manmade 

or natural, has shown overwhelming resilience and the ability to bounce back. Such resilience can 

be attributed to the determined efforts of the Government and the private sector. I am confident that with 

continued cooperation by the private sector and the Government, the Maldives tourism can recover and reach 

targeted growth levels from the current crisis. 

Tourism Yearbook 2009 is the result of combined efforts of many Government authorities, private sector 

organizations and the tourism industry of the Maldives. I acknowledge, with deep gratitude, the valuable 

contribution and support rendered by respective Government and private sector organizations. 

I do hope that the readers find this publication a useful source of information. 

Male’, May 2009 

i

Except where otherwise indicated, data used in this publication have been collected from relevant government 

agencies and the Maldives tourism industry. 

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture wishes to express its gratitude to the Department of National 

Planning, Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Department of 

Inland Revenue, Maldives Monetary Authority, Maldives Customs Services, Faculty of Hospitality and 

Tourism Studies, Maldives Tourism Promotion Board and the Maldives tourism industry for their continued 

cooperation and assistance in the compilation of this annual publication. 

ii

Tourism Yearbook 2009, has been produced and published by the Statistics Section of the Ministry of 

Tourism, Arts and Culture. This publication briefly presents the overall performance of the tourism industry 

of the Maldives through 2004 to 2008. In addition to all the available national tourism statistics for the past 

five years (2004-2008), the publication contains major highlights of the tourism industry’s performance for 

2008. 

This publication is divided into 5 main sections 

1. Tourist Accommodation 

2. Tourist Arrival Trends 

3. Airlines Statistics 

4. Economic Indicators of Tourism 

5. Tourism Highlights 2008 

Each section provides important data and information. Together, the sections provide a comprehensive picture 

of the tourism in the Maldives. 

iii

Foreword ......................................................................................................................................................... i 

Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................ ii 

Preface ............................................................................................................................................................ iii 

TOURIST ACCOMMODATION 

Tourist Accommodation in the Maldives ........................................................................................................ 1 

Table: 1 Number of Accommodation Establishments & their Bed Capacity, 2004 - 2008 ............................ 1 

Table: 2 Distribution of Resort Beds by Atolls, 2004 - 2008 ..........................................................................2 

Table: 3 Tourist Resorts by Type of Lease Holders, 2006 - 2008 ................................................................... 3 

Table: 4 Tourist Resorts by Type of Operators, 2006 - 2008 .......................................................................... 3 

Table: 5 Bed Nights, Occupancy Rate & Average Duration of Stay, 2004 - 2008.......................................... 4 

Table: 6 Monthly Average Occupancy Rates of Resorts & Hotels, 2004 - 2008 ............................................ 4 

TOURIST ARRIVAL TRENDS 

Global Arrival Trends ..................................................................................................................................... 7 

Table: 7 International Tourist Arrivals, 2007-2008 ........................................................................................ 7 

Tourist Arrivals to the Maldives ..................................................................................................................... 8 

Table: 8 Tourist Arrivals to the Maldives by Month, 2004 - 2008 ................................................................. 8 

Table: 9 Growth Trends of Tourist Arrivals by Month, 2004 - 2008 .............................................................. 8 

Major Markets ................................................................................................................................................. 9 

Figure: 1 Market Share by Regions, 2004 - 2008 ........................................................................................... 9 

Top Ten Markets of 2008 ...............................................................................................................................10 

Table: 10 Tourist Arrivals and Market Share of Top Ten Markets of 2008 ...................................................10 

Figure: 2 Arrival Growth and Market Share of UK Market, 2004 - 2008 .....................................................11 

Figure: 3 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of UK Market, 2004 - 2008 ........................................................ 11 

Figure: 4 Arrival Growth and Market Share of Italian Market, 2004 - 2008 ................................................12 

Figure: 5 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of Italian, 2004 - 2008 .................................................................12 

Figure: 6 Arrival Growth and Market Share of German Market, 2004 - 2008 ..............................................13 

Figure: 7 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of German, 2004 - 2008 ..............................................................13 

Figure: 8 Arrival Growth and Market Share of Russian Market, 2004 - 2008 ..............................................14 

Figure: 9 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of Russian, 2004 - 2008 ..............................................................14 

Figure: 10 Arrival Growth and Market Share of French Market, 2004 - 2008 ..............................................15 

Figure: 11 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of French, 2004 - 2008 ..............................................................15 

Figure: 12 Arrival Growth and Market Share of Chinese Market, 2004 - 2008 ............................................16 

Figure: 13 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of Chinese, 2004 - 2008 ............................................................16 

Figure: 14 Arrival Growth and Market Share of Japanese Market, 2004 - 2008 ..........................................17 

Figure: 15 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of Japanese, 2004 - 2008 ...........................................................17 

Figure: 16 Arrival Growth and Market Share of Swiss Market, 2004 - 2008 ...............................................18 

Figure: 17 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of Swiss Market, 2004 - 2008 ...................................................18 

Figure: 18 Arrival Growth and Market Share of Korean Market, 2004 - 2008 .............................................19 

Figure: 19 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of Korean, 2004 - 2008 .............................................................19 

Figure: 20 Arrival Growth and Market Share of Indian Market, 2004 - 2008 ..............................................20 

Figure: 21 Monthly Tourist Arrival Trends of Indian Market, 2004 - 2008 ..................................................20 

AIRLINE STATISTICS 

Table: 11 Passenger Arrivals by Type of Carriers, 2004 - 2008 ....................................................................23 

Table: 12 Traffic by International Carriers at Male’ & Gan International Airport, 2004 - 2008 ...................23 

Table: 13 Traffic by Domestic Carriers at Male’ International Airport, 2004 - 2008 ....................................25

ECONOMIC INDICATORS 

Tourism and its Role in the Economy of the Maldives ..................................................................................29 

Table: 14 Tourism Contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 2004 - 2008 ........................................29 

Table: 15 Tourism Revenue and Tax, 2004 - 2008 ........................................................................................29 

Table: 16 Government Expenditure on Tourism, 2004 - 2008 ......................................................................30 

Table: 17 Tourism Receipts, 2004 - 2008 ......................................................................................................30 

ADDITIONAL TABLES 

Table: 18 Bed Capacity of Tourist Resorts, 2004 - 2008 ...............................................................................33 

Table: 19 New Islands Leased for Resort/Hotel Development ......................................................................36 

Table: 20 Graduates from Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Industry, 2004 - 2008 .....................................38 

Table: 21 Inbound and Outbound Travel, 2004 - 2008 ..................................................................................38 

Table: 22 Seasonal Variation of Tourist Arrivals, 2004 - 2008 ......................................................................38 

Table: 23 Tourist Arrivals & Market Share by Major Markets, 2004 - 2008 ...............................................39 

Table: 24 Growth Trends of Major Markets, 2004 - 2008 .............................................................................40 

Table: 25 Tourist Arrivals by Nationality - end March 2009 .........................................................................42 

Table: 26 Major Tourism Indicators - end March 2009 .................................................................................44 

TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS 2008 

MAP OF THE MALDIVES - illustrating the tourism developments

TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

There are generally four types of tourist accommodation commodat 

od 

atio 

in the Maldives. Out of which, resorts are the mainly 

used form of accommodation in the Maldives and the rest include Safari Vessels, Hotels and Guest Houses. 

(Refer Table1) 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

Type of Establishment No Beds No Beds No Beds No Beds No Beds 

Resorts 87 16,858 88 17,348 89 17,802 92 19,028 94 19,860 

Hotels 8 636 8 636 9 713 11 836 13 1,110 

Guest Houses 28 425 28 425 21 391 24 400 24 400 

Safari Vessels 113 1,676 121 1,789 116 1,599 133 1,923 143 2,094 

Total 236 19,595 245 20,198 235 20,505 260 22,187 274 23,464 

Source: Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture 

Tourist resorts, with its unique one island one resort concept, continue to be the most attractive type of 

accommodation in the Maldives. Resorts consist over 85% of total bed capacity of the country. Over the last 

five years, resort bed capacity has been increasing at an average rate of 2.5% per year. Number of resorts 

increased from 87 in 2004 to 94 in 2008. The bed capacity of resorts increased from 16,858 in 2004 to 19,704 

in 2008. 

The second type of accommodation in the Maldives is the live-aboard safari vessels, which contribute over 

8% to total bed capacity of the Maldives. With the increasing popularity of this type of accommodation, the 

bed capacity increased from 1,676 in 2004 to 2,094 in 2008. 

Hotels and Guest Houses provide accommodation to tourists visiting Male’, the capital. By the end of 

2008 there were 13 hotels and 24 guest houses with 1,110 beds and 400 beds respectively. Out of these 37 

establishments, all except two are located in Male’. 

1

Atoll 


Beds 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

Haa Alifu - - 50 0.3 90 0.5 390 2.0 432 2.2 

Noonu - - - - - - - - 400 2.0 

Raa 430 2.6 466 2.7 470 2.6 470 2.5 470 2.4 

Baa 1,034 6.1 1,034 6.0 1,240 7.0 1,240 6.5 1,240 6.2 

Lhaviyani 1,150 6.8 1,180 6.8 1,196 6.7 1,276 6.7 1,294 6.5 

Kaafu 8,038 47.7 8,316 47.9 8,450 47.5 8,724 45.8 8,914 44.9 

Alifu (North & South) 4,938 29.3 4,978 28.7 5,032 28.3 5,058 26.6 5,240 26.4 

Vaavu 294 1.7 350 2.0 350 2.0 350 1.8 350 1.8 

Meemu 400 2.4 400 2.3 400 2.2 400 2.1 400 2.0 

Faafu 250 1.5 250 1.4 250 1.4 250 1.3 250 1.3 

Dhaalu 324 1.9 324 1.9 324 1.8 324 1.7 324 1.6 

Seenu - - - - - - 546 2.9 546 2.7 

Total 16,858 100.0 17,348 100.0 17,802 100.0 19,028 100.0 19,860 100.0 

Beds 

% 

Share 

Since the commencement of tourism in the Maldives in 1972, the development of resorts concentrated close 

to the only international airport in the country. Due to this, most beds in the Maldives are located in Kaafu 

Atoll. The difficulty in transferring tourists to far away resorts has been the major reason for Kaafu Atoll 

being centralized for resort development. During the Second Tourism Master Plan period (1999 - 2006), 

Male’ Atoll and Ari Atoll was considered the main tourism zone and the focus of tourism development. 

However, today, under the new Third Tourism Master Plan, the target is to expand tourism to all the atolls 

in the Maldives. The Third Tourism Master Plan’s vision is to expand and strengthen the Maldives tourism 

as an instrument of economic and social development in a manner that benefits all Maldivians in all parts of 

the country. 

In 2004, Kaafu Atoll resorts consisted 47.7% to the total bed capacity of the Maldives. However, by the end 

of 2008 this percentage dropped by nearly 4% to 44.9%. Under the tourism expansion plan, five new resorts 

started operation in 2007 and 2008, two in Haa Alifu Atoll, one in Seenu Atoll and two in Noonu Atoll. It is 

expected that by the end of 2009, there will be at least one tourist resort in every atoll. 

2

2006 2007 2008 

Nos 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

% 

Change 

Nos 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

% 

Change 

Nos 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

% 

Change 

Local 68 76.4 13,796 77.5 -0.2 70 76.1 14,716 77.3 6.7 74 78.7 15,882 80.0 7.9 

Foreign 7 7.9 922 5.2 28.8 8 8.7 1,122 5.9 21.7 8 8.5 1,086 5.5 -3.2 

Joint Venture 

(Local / Foreign) 

14 15.7 3,084 17.3 9.9 14 15.2 3,190 16.8 3.4 12 12.8 2,892 14.6 -9.3 

Total 89 100.0 17,802 100.0 2.6 92 100.0 19,028 100.0 6.9 94 100.0 19,860 100.0 4.4 


There were 74 resorts with a total bed capacity of 15,882 beds leased to local companies at the end of 2008. 

(Refer Table:3) While the bed capacity of resorts leased to joint venture companies declined by 9.3% over the 

year 2007, bed capacity in the resorts leased to foreign companies also declined by 3.2%. With 80% of the 

total bed capacity, beds in resorts operated by local companies increased by 7.9% in 2008 over 2007. 

2006 2007 2008 

Nos 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

% 

Change 

Nos 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

% 

Change 

Nos 

% 

Share 

Beds 

% 

Share 

% 

Change 

Local 42 47.2 9,442 53.0 -5.2 44 47.8 10,146 53.3 7.5 44 46.8 10,322 52.0 1.7 

Foreign 30 33.7 4,924 27.7 17.9 31 33.7 5,340 28.1 8.4 33 35.1 5,706 28.7 6.9 

Joint Venture 

(Local / Foreign) 

17 19.1 3,436 19.3 7.0 17 18.5 3,542 18.6 3.1 17 18.1 3,832 19.3 8.2 

Total 89 100.0 17,802 100.0 2.6 92 100.0 19,028 100.0 6.9 94 100.0 19,860 100.0 4.4 


There were a total of 44 resorts, 10,322 beds, operated by local operators by the end of 2008, which is 52.0% 

of the total bed capacity of the Maldives (refer Table:4). While number of resorts operated by joint venture 

companies remained constant, resorts operated by foreign companies increased from 31 in 2007 to 33 in 

2008, consisting 28.7% of the total bed capacity. 

3

Year 

Tourist Bed Nights 

Bed night growth 

(%) 

Occupancy Rate (%) 

Average Duration of 

Stay (days) 

2004 5,110,587 8.6 83.9 8.3 

2005 3,300,125 -35.4 64.4 8.3 

2006 4,826,372 * 46.2 81.4 8.0 

2007 5,293,224 9.7 82.8 8.5 

2008 5,451,164 3.0 78.0 8.8 

Note: * Revised 


As shown in Table 5, tourist bed nights have been growing steadily over the years except for the year 2005. 

The huge decline of 35.4% in 2005 was the result of the Asian tsunami. The bed nights had recovered 

completely by the end of 2007 and surpassed pre-tsunami levels. 

Occupancy rate also showed the same pattern as that of bed nights. However, it still remains below pretsunami 

levels even at the end of 2008. The reason for the low occupancy rates maybe due to the increase 

in bed capacity over the past two years. The average duration of stay remained constant at 8.3 days, through 

2003 to 2005, showed a slight decline in 2006 and increased to 8.8 days at the end of 2008. 

Month 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

January 100.5 32.6 94.4 94.8 90.0 

February 100.8 64.9 96.8 100.1 95.9 

March 97.9 73.7 93.7 94.3 96.4 

April 90.6 61.9 92.2 92.6 88.2 

May 68.0 52.1 67.1 70.4 70.4 

June 57.4 46.3 56.7 58.9 54.2 

July 73.5 60.7 68.8 72.0 65.3 

August 92.3 77.5 86.1 84.4 76.0 

September 80.9 68.0 73.1 73.6 66.0 

October 83.8 75.3 81.4 81.2 76.2 

November 87.0 85.1 84.1 * 85.7 78.7 

December 74.5 74.5 82.5 * 85.1 79.1 

Annual Average 83.9 64.4 81.4 82.8 78.0 

Note: * Revised 


4

TOURIST ARRIVAL TRENDS

According cord 

to the January 

2009 issue sue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals 

totaled 924 million worldwide at the end of 2008 with an increase of 1.8% over 2007. It highlighted that 

arrivals had slowed drastically in 2008, under the influence of an extremely volatile and unfavorable global 

economy. According to the Barometer, after 5% increase in the first half of 2008, growth in international 

tourist arrivals moved into negative territory in the second half of the year with -1%. The UNWTO forecasts 

that international arrivals will be flat at best or a few percent down at worst by the end of 2009, as there are 

no signs that this downward trend will be reversed in the near future. 

Tourist Arrivals 

(in millions) 

2007 2008 * % Change % Share 2008 * 

Europe 488 489 0.1 52.9 

Asia & the Pacific 185 188 1.6 20.4 

Americas 143 148 3.6 16.0 

Africa 45 47 4.5 5.1 

Middle East 48 53 11.4 5.7 

World 908 924 1.8 100.0 


Table adapted from UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, January 2009 edition 

Note: * Data as collected by UNWTO, January 2009 

All the regions performed well in 2008 showing positive growth (refer Table 7). While Europe showed the 

lowest percentage of growth (+0.1%), highest growth occurred in the Middle East with 11%. Africa rose by 

5% and Americas by 4%. Asia and the Pacific recorded a 2% rise in arrivals in 2008. 

7

Over the last five years tourist arrivals als tothe the Maldives have been increasing ng constantly tly except for the year 

2005. The drop in 2005 was due to the impacts of the Asian tsunami which affected the whole region. 

Over the last five years, monthly arrival trends show similar patterns (refer Table 8). Arrivals to Maldives are 

recorded to be at its peak from October to April and the month of July is recorded to have the lowest count 

in tourist arrivals to the Maldives. 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 

2004 61,861 59,692 63,855 55,396 42,197 33,835 43,527 55,843 46,838 52,511 56,656 44,505 616,716 

2005 18,747 29,391 35,742 29,714 25,309 22,590 29,860 38,366 33,748 40,543 44,461 46,849 395,320 

2006 58,332 54,741 54,596 55,983 40,961 33,037 42,776 49,968 44,593 54,721 53,594 58,621 601,923 

2007 64,570 65,224 64,491 63,171 46,602 38,457 51,025 53,168 48,468 58,706 56,797 65,210 675,889 

2008 64,621 67,963 71,623 62,670 48,764 40,283 47,675 51,824 50,687 56,363 57,961 62,578 683,012 


Data provided by: Department of Immigration & Emigration 

The Year 2007 ended as a record year for the Maldives in terms of tourist arrivals with 675,889 visitors. 

The growth rate of 12.3% for the year was 3.8% higher than expected growth for the year. With this record 

achievement, year 2008 started with high expectations and a projected growth for the year was 5.6%. In the 

first three months of the year, arrivals increased steadily (refer Table 9). However, by the month of April, 

arrivals started slowing down, reflecting the rise in oil prices and deterioration of global economy. In spite 

of these conditions, the year ended with a 1.1% increase due to excellent performances showed in the first 6 

months of the year. 


2004 13.5 5.3 13.1 13.7 35.6 25.7 14.3 15.3 4.2 8.6 10.9 -23.6 9.4 

2005 -69.7 -50.8 -44.0 -46.4 -40.0 -33.2 -31.4 -31.3 -27.9 -22.8 -21.5 5.3 -35.9 

2006 211.2 86.3 52.8 88.4 61.8 46.2 43.3 30.2 32.1 35.0 20.5 25.1 52.3 

2007 10.7 19.2 18.1 12.8 13.8 16.4 19.3 6.4 8.7 7.3 6.0 11.2 12.3 

2008 0.1 4.2 11.1 -0.8 4.6 4.7 -6.6 -2.5 4.6 -4.0 2.0 -4.0 1.1 



8

Europe continues to be the leading generating market to the Maldives (refer Figure 1). Over the last five 

years, this region contributed, on an average more than 75% to the total arrivals to the Maldives. However, 

European market share has shown a drop from 78.6% in 2003 to 72.8% at the end of 2008. Major markets 

from this region include, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Russia, France & Switzerland. 

Asia is the second leading generating market to the Maldives. With a total of 145,494 tourists in 2008, the 

region captured a market share of 21.3% that year. Over the years, Asia has been growing steadily. In 2003, 

Asia shared 17.4%, at the end of 2008 it rose by 4%. Main markets from Asia include, China, Japan, Korea 

and India. 

In 2008, since more than 94% of the tourists arrivals to the Maldives was generated from Europe and Asia, 

the rest of the world contributed just about 6% of the arrivals to the Maldives. Market share from the African 

region remained almost constant through 2003 to 2008, with the highest recorded share being 0.9% in 2004 

and 2005. In 2007 and 2008, market share from Americas stood at 2.1%. This region had shown a steady 

increase in its share since 2003, from 1.4% in 2003 to 2.1% at the end of 2008. The market share from Oceania 

varied between 1.3% and 1.5% through 2003 to 2008. With a total of 10,661 tourists, the highest recorded 

share from Oceania was 1.6% in 2007. The Middle East, which is considered to be a rapidly growing region 

to the Maldives with high potential, captured a market share of 1.3% at the end of 2008. Arrivals from this 

region had been increasing steadily over the years, except for the year 2005, which was the Asian tsunami 

year. 

100% 

90% 

80% 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

Middle East 

Oceania 

Americas 

Africa 

Asia 

Europe 

20% 

10% 

0% 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

9

The top ten leading markets to the Maldives during the year 2008 were United Kingdom with a market share 

of 17.1%, Italy (15.2%), Germany (10.1%), Russia (7.2%), France (7.0%), China (6.1%), Japan (5.6%), 

Switzerland (4.0%), Korea (3.1%) and India (2.4%). While Russia made its way to the 4th position in 2008, 

Japan, which was the fifth market in 2007, dropped to the 7th position (refer Table 10). 

Rank 

2008 Country Arrivals 

2008 2007 

Market 

Share (%) 

Arrivals 

Market 

Share (%) 

1 United Kingdom 116,821 17.1 125,158 18.5 1 

2 Italy 103,824 15.2 117,246 17.3 2 

3 Germany 69,240 10.1 72,269 10.7 3 

4 Russia 48,978 7.2 31,845 4.7 7 

5 France 48,100 7.0 45,301 6.7 4 

6 China 41,511 6.1 35,976 5.3 6 

7 Japan 38,193 5.6 41,121 6.1 5 

8 Switzerland 26,983 4.0 26,183 3.9 8 

9 Korea 20,934 3.1 20,976 3.1 9 

10 India 16,663 2.4 17,327 2.6 10 

Global Total 683,012 675,889 



Rank 

2007 

10

With a total of 116,821 tourists and a market share of 17.1% the United Kingdom was the number one leading 

market to the Maldives in 2008. 

30.0 

21.3 

23.8 

20.0 

15.9 

10.0 

18.5 

22.1 

17.9 18.5 17.1 

Percent (%) 

0.0 

-10.0 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

-6.7 

-20.0 

-30.0 

-23.4 

Market Share 

Arrival Growth 

Over the last five years, the U.K. market has performed well with the market share varying between 17.1% 

and 18.5% (refer Figure 2). In the year 2005, this market showed its lowest decline of -23.4% due to Asian 

tsunami of December 2004. The U.K. market also captured its highest market share of 22.1% and became the 

number one leading market to the Maldives in 2005. In 2006 its market share dropped to 17.9%. However, in 

2007 it regained its market position. Though the market performed with a negative growth of 6.7% in 2008, 

it still remained as the number one leading market to the Maldives, at the end of 2008. 

As shown in Figure 3, the monthly performance shows irregular patterns over the last five years. While 

arrivals is at its peak in March, its lowest performance is observed in June. 

20,000 

18,000 

16,000 

14,000 

ival numbers 

Arri 

12,000 

10,000 

8,000 

6,000 

4,000 

2,000 

0 


2004 9,083 10,746 12,016 10,254 7,642 7,020 8,863 10,983 9,382 9,300 11,322 7,380 113,991 

2005 4,470 6,861 7,364 6,339 6,368 6,470 6,952 9,022 7,488 8,811 9,039 8,080 87,264 

2006 8,531 9,354 8,659 9,000 8,390 6,648 8,972 9,976 8,739 10,576 9,701 9,449 107,995 

2007 10,952 11,913 10,787 10,912 8,599 8,109 11,272 10,783 10,092 11,332 9,719 10,688 125,158 

2008 9,638 11,238 12,544 11,150 7,972 8,037 9,136 9,789 10,448 9,541 8,470 8,858 116,821 

11

At the end of 2008, the Italian market captured a market share of 15.2% making it the second most popular 

tourist generating market to the Maldives. 

30.0 

27.0 

20.0 

Percent (%) 

10.0 

0.0 

-10.0 

3.1 

11.8 14.1 

11.8 10.7 10.11 

2004 2005 2006 

2.0 

2007 2008 

-4.2 

-20.0 

-23.6 

Market Share 


-30.0 

The Italian market is one of the well established traditional markets to the Maldives. Since 2002, Italian 

inbound travel to the Maldives has been stagnant and declined considerably in 2004, and in 2005 arrivals 

dropped to an all-time low due to the Asian tsunami. There is a decline in arrivals from Italy for the past 5 

years. With an annual average of 8.2% from 2003-2008, from over 140,000 in 2003 to less than 104,000 in 

2008. Similarly, Italian market share dropped from 25.1% in 2002 to 15.2% in 2008, with an annual average 

rate of -9.1% from 2003 to 2008. 

Unlike U.K., monthly arrivals from Italy show similar patterns over the last five years. The month of March 

is considered as the peak month and June records the lowest numbers of arrivals. 

20,000 

18,000 

16,000 

14,000 

12,000 

numbers 

Arrival n 

10,000 

8,000 

6,000 

4,000 

2,000 

0 


2004 15,478 16,181 17,540 12,843 6,536 6,242 6,702 13,714 8,279 8,765 9,833 8,931 131,044 

2005 3,039 6,882 8,392 5,602 2,444 2,738 4,175 8,903 4,751 5,649 7,339 10,201 70,115 

2006 14,703 12,977 13,866 13,293 5,683 5,020 6,733 11,106 6,718 8,368 8,168 12,294 118,929 

2007 15,507 14,323 13,872 13,488 5,455 5,027 6,925 9,555 5,896 7,912 7,034 12,252 117,246 

2008 13,473 13,630 14,865 11,246 4,212 3,683 5,432 8,305 5,972 5,579 6,711 10,715 103,824 

12

With a total of 69,240 tourists, the German market captured a market share of 10.1% and remained in the 

third position at the end of 2008. 

80.0 

60.0 

69.6 

40.0 

(%) 

Percent ( 

20.0 

0.0 

-20.0 

21.2 17.7 19.8 17.3 15.2 

-1.4 

2004 -6.6 

2005 2006 2007 2008 

-11.4 

-40.0 

-60.0 

-46.5 

Market Share 


Though Germany is a well established and leading market to the Maldives, its market share has been on 

the decline since 1992. Over the last five years, the market captured a market share of 11.7% on an average 

(refer Figure 6). The biggest decline of over 23% occurred due to the 2005 tsunami, the German market also 

showed a decline of 4.2% in 2008. 

As seen in figure 7, monthly performance of this market shows very similar patterns over the last five years. 

It increased from January to March, and slows in April and it increases in May, drops to its lowest in June and 

from June till November the market grows steadily. In December the German market again starts to decline. 

9,000 9000 

8,000 

7,000 

6,000 

rivals numbers 

Arr 

5,000 

4,000 

3,000 

2,000 

1,000 

0 


2004 5,869 6,446 7,143 6,195 6,788 3,905 4,806 5,791 6,273 7,898 7,181 4,672 72,967 

2005 2,373 4,030 5,582 4,329 5,204 3,032 3,665 4,218 5,065 6,251 7,011 5,022 55,782 

2006 6,044 6,032 7,170 6,591 6,133 4,293 4,191 5,135 6,026 6,991 6,829 5,395 70,830 

2007 5,911 6,186 6,982 6,718 6,930 4,288 4,629 4,790 5,850 7,450 6,829 5,706 72,269 

2008 6,000 6,182 7,949 6,015 6,983 3,964 4,163 4,103 5,292 6,647 6,880 5,062 69,240 

13

In 2008, the Russian market captured a market share of 7.2% and became the 4th leading market to the 

Maldives. 

60.0 

50.0 

49.3 

50.6 

53.8 

40.0 

45.0 

30.0 

Percent(%) 

20.0 

10.0 

0.0 

-10.0 

2.9 3.7 3.6 4.7 7.2 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

-20.0 

-19.3 

Market Share 


-30.0 

In 2008, the most significant growth was performed by the Russian market with 53.8%. Russia is considered 

to be one of the potential and was the fastest growing markets to the Maldives in 2008. Over the last five 

years, excluding the tsunami year 2005, the Russian market has performed with an average of nearly 52% 

growth. The market share increased from 2.1% in 2003 to 7.2% in 2008. 

One of the factors that contributed to the increase in Russian arrivals to the Maldives was the start of charter 

flights from Moscow to Male’. The Kras Air which stopped its operation in 2006, restarted in 2007 and 

increased its flight movements in 2008. A new airline named Atlant Soyuz also began its charter flights from 

Moscow in 2008. 

The monthly arrivals from Russia show similar patterns over the last five years. June is recorded to have the 

lowest count in arrivals from Russia, while January records the highest number of arrivals. 

7,000 

6,000 

5,000 

rival numbers 

Arr 

4,000 

3,000 

2,000 

1,000 

0 


2004 2,357 1,136 1,217 1,840 1,485 688 1,024 1,115 1,127 1,784 2,343 1,959 18,075 

2005 1,223 828 1,186 1,121 1,002 768 849 1,233 1,160 1,329 2,052 1,831 14,582 

2006 2,812 1,553 1,779 2,157 1,348 932 1,431 1,543 1,174 1,889 2,386 2,951 21,955 

2007 4,401 2,205 2,696 2,958 1,791 1,257 1,654 2,239 1,932 2,793 3,855 4,064 31,845 

2008 5,507 3,339 4,730 4,313 3,345 2,225 2,691 3,511 2,834 3,997 6,397 6,089 48,978 

14

The French market captured a market share of 7% to and was the 5th top tourist generating market to the 

Maldives in 2008. 

120.0 

100.0 

101.6 

80.0 

60.0 

Percent (% %) 

40.0 

20.0 

0.0 

-20.0 

12.4 

3.8 6.2 

5.5 

7.5 

7.2 

6.7 7.0 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

-40.0 

-60.0 

-53.1 

Market Share 


-80.0 

At the end of 2008, over 48 thousand tourists visited the Maldives from France with an annual growth rate of 

6.2%. The market share increased from 6.7% in 2007 to 7% in 2008. Even though the French market share 

increased in 2008, it lost its 4th position to Russia in that year. 

The French market captured a market share of 7.3% in 2003, increased by 0.2% in 2004, it declined by 2% in 

2005, recovered to 2003 level in 2006, declined again in 2007 but increased its share to 7.0% in 2008 (refer 

Figure 10). 

Monthly performance of the French market shows that its best performance occurs from November to April 

(refer Figure 11). Arrivals start to decline in May and records the lowest in June. 

8000 8,000 

7,000 

6,000 

rival numbers 

Ar 

5,000 

4,000 

3,000 

2,000 

1,000 

0 


2004 5,661 6,193 6,324 5,076 2,277 1,258 2,089 2,718 1,864 3,124 5,170 4,402 46,156 

2005 870 2,229 2,170 2,002 1,013 554 982 1,395 1,140 1,932 3,343 4,010 21,640 

2006 5,712 6,690 5,605 5,145 2,366 1,069 1,735 2,594 1,927 2,662 3,703 4,419 43,627 

2007 6,010 6,678 6,761 4,742 2,076 1,048 1,485 1,977 1,411 2,865 5,030 5,218 45,301 

2008 6,784 7,163 6,019 5,801 2,437 1,096 1,455 2,393 1,674 3,295 4,565 5,418 48,100 

15

) 

The sixth leading market to the Maldives in 2008 was China with a total arrival of 61,511 and a market share 

of 6.1%. The Chinese market was the 6th leading market to the Maldives in 2007 as well. It grew by 15.4% 

in 2008 over 2007 and the market share increased from 5.3% in 2007 to 6.1% in 2008 (refer Figure 12). 

140.0 

120.0 

127.4 

100.0 

80.0 

Percent (%) 

60.0 

40.0 

20.0 

0.0 

-20.0 

37.1 

36.3 

15.4 

3.3 2.9 4.4 5.3 6.1 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

-40.0 

-60.0 

-43.6 

Market Share 


Apart from Russia, China is also considered to be a market with great potential. It has been increasing on an 

average rate of 48% over the last five years excluding 2005. It’s market share has been increasing steadily 

over the last five years. In 2003, it captured a market share of 2.7%, and at the end of 2008 it’s share rose to 

6.1%. As shown in Figure 13, the months of Dec, March and April show low performance throughout the 

period 2004-2008. 

6,000 

5,000 

rival numbers 

Ar 

4,000 

3,000 

2,000 

1,000 

0 


2004 4,297 829 913 1,278 2,638 1,037 1,830 1,663 1,490 2,430 1,099 1,095 20,599 

2005 146 202 438 631 754 726 1,515 1,482 1,450 1,824 1,071 1,370 11,609 

2006 2,852 1,985 1,376 1,479 2,406 1,595 2,230 2,244 2,262 3,090 2,382 2,495 26,396 

2007 1,855 4,591 1,647 1,981 3,505 2,722 3,159 3,996 3,450 4,097 2,671 2,302 35,976 

2008 2,569 5,638 2,065 2,408 3,631 3,133 3,903 3,440 4,724 4,286 3,101 2,613 41,511 

16

) 

Japan, which used to be the 4th leading market to Maldives and the largest tourist generating market in Asia, 

lost its market position and dropped to the 7th position capturing a market share of 5.6% at the end of 2008. 

80.0 

60.0 

69.9 

40.0 

Percent (%) 

20.00 

0.0 

11.5 

4.0 

7.6 5.9 6.6 

6.1 

5.6 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008-7.1 

-20.0 

-40.0 

-60.0 

-50.4 

Market Share 


The Japanese market declined considerably over the years. In 2004 it captured a market share of 7.6% making 

it the 4th major market to Maldives. Since then its share has been declining (refer Figure 14). In 2006, Japan 

lost its market position to France and fell to the 5th position. In 2008, the Japanese market recorded a decline 

of more than 7%. The Japanese market performance is at its best during the month of August and lowest is 

in the month of May. 

7,000 

6,000 

5,000 

rival numbers 

Arr 

4,000 

3,000 

2,000 

1,000 

0 


2004 3,553 3,206 3,471 3,513 3,040 3,182 4,462 6,031 5,178 3,931 4,377 2,995 46,939 

2005 622 1,025 1,472 1,519 1,011 1,385 2,256 2,962 3,037 2,668 2,498 2,814 23,269 

2006 2,918 2,238 2,820 2,573 2,167 2,696 3,950 4,003 4,269 4,094 4,225 3,575 39,528 

2007 2,586 3,293 3,623 3,173 2,057 2,822 3,554 4,322 4,714 3,913 3,477 3,587 41,121 

2008 2,269 2,985 3,088 2,832 2,305 3,062 3,746 3,966 4,288 3,413 3,178 3,061 38,193 

17

) 

With a market share of 4% in 2008, the Swiss market stood at the number 8th position. 

40.0 

35.9 

30.0 

20.0 

Percent (%) 

10.0 

0.0 

-10.0 

3.1 

4.7 4.9 4.4 3.9 

4.0 

-0.3 

2004 2005 2006 2007 

-5.0 

2008 

-20.0 

-30.0 

-40.0 

-33.9 

Market Share 


The Swiss market was the sixth leading market to the Maldives in 2005. In 2006 it dropped to the 7th position 

with a decline of 0.5%. Its market share declined even further in 2007 and fell to the 8th position at the end 

of 2007 and remained at that position at the end of 2008. Though its position remained same the market share 

showed a slight increase of 0.1%. 

While most of the major markets showed double digit increase in the year 2004, the Swiss market showed 

a decline of 5% in that year. After the impact of tsunami, it recovered with a 35.9% growth in 2006, with a 

slight decline of 0.3% in 2007, and showed an increase of 3.1% at the end of 2008. October till April remain 

the best performance period as shown in Figure 17. 

4,000 

3,500 

3,000 

rival numbers 

Arr 

2,500 

2,000 

1,500 

1,000 

500 

0 


2004 2,861 3,329 3,023 3,402 1,857 1,141 1,697 1,343 1,940 3,134 3,430 2,095 29,252 

2005 1,176 1,624 2,076 1,729 1,263 804 1,386 1,213 1,474 2,340 2,321 1,915 19,321 

2006 2,758 2,438 2,395 3,169 1,766 866 1,768 973 1,741 2,893 2,801 2,683 26,251 

2007 2,551 2,581 2,702 3,731 1,478 956 1,817 904 1,726 2,221 2,792 2,724 26,183 

2008 2,815 2,883 3,265 2,933 1,465 1,214 1,459 1,099 1,665 2,544 3,080 2,561 26,983 

18

) 

Korea is the third market among the Asian markets which made its way to the top ten major market list of 

Maldives. With a market share of 3.1% it stayed at the 9th position at the end of 2008. 

160.0 

140.0 

146.9 

120.0 

100.0 

80.0 

Percent (%) 

60.0 

40.0 

20.0 

0.0 

-20.0 

-40.0 

-60.0 

14.9 

1.6 1.7 2.7 3.1 3.1 

-0.2 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

-32.4 

Market Share 

29.8 


The Korean market made its way to the top ten list in 2006 and since then maintained its market position over 

the last three years. It’s market share rose from 1.6% in 2004 to 3.1% at the end of 2008. 

Even though it showed a negative growth of 0.2% in 2008, Korea is considered to be one of the potential 

markets to the Maldives and have been growing steadily over the years. 

As shown in Figure 19, the peak month for this market remained same over the years, the lowest performing 

months have been varying. From 2004 to 2006, the month of January was recorded to have the lowest count 

in tourist arrivals from Korea. However, this has changed over the last two years. In 2007, the lowest number 

of arrivals was in February while in 2008 it was July. 

3,500 3500 

3,000 

2,500 

rrival numbers 

Ar 

2,000 

1,500 

1,000 

500 

0 


2004 402 763 856 597 1,351 638 588 466 713 1,351 1,241 706 9,672 

2005 79 205 199 398 521 435 575 396 501 1,312 1,105 817 6,543 

2006 489 694 760 1,260 1,745 1,248 866 729 1,513 2,207 2,511 2,135 16,157 

2007 1,492 862 1,344 1,749 2,484 1,496 1,454 947 1,574 3,019 2,472 2,083 20,976 

2008 1,438 1,164 1,632 2,103 2,705 2,001 898 911 1,610 2,879 2,353 1,240 20,934 

19

With a total arrivals of 16,663 and a market share of 2.4%, the Indian market remained at the 10th position 

in the top ten market list of 2008. 

50.0 

43.5 

40.0 

30.0 

Market Share 


Percent (%) 

) 

20.0 

17.7 

10.0 

0.0 

-10.0 

1.8 2.6 2.0 2.6 2.4 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

-3.8 

-4.4 

-6.7 

Arrivals from India increased significantly from 2004 to 2008. It’s market share increased from 1.8% in 2004 

to 2.4% at the end of 2008. 

Indian arrivals to the Maldives have been increasing at an average rate of 9% over the last five years. The 

highest growth was recorded in 2007 with +43.5%. Arrivals from India is at its peak during the month of May 

and December and performs steadily in other months. 

2,500 

2,000 

rival numbers 

Arr 

1,500 

1,000 

500 

0 


2004 994 786 788 871 1,318 925 971 818 875 775 782 1,096 10,999 

2005 807 733 843 746 891 821 853 653 840 949 861 1,263 10,260 

2006 1,104 889 915 1,089 1,231 901 817 809 816 906 923 1,671 12,071 

2007 1,578 1,184 1,156 1,592 2,051 1,275 1,237 1,099 1,159 1,278 1,634 2,084 17,327 

2008 1,436 1,313 1,467 1,337 2,001 1,425 1,147 1,231 1,036 1,425 1,037 1,808 16,663 

20

AIRLINE STATISTICS

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

Type of Carrier 

Arrivals % Share Arrivals % Share Arrivals % Share Arrivals % Share Arrivals % Share 

Scheduled 578,147 81.3 419,271 81.6 592,971 80.7 669,219 80.3 694,718 80.8 

Charter 133,241 18.7 94,525 18.4 141,762 19.3 164,217 19.7 164,587 19.2 

Total 711,388 100.0 513,796 100.0 734,733 100.0 833,436 100.0 859,305 100.0 


Data provided by: Department of Civil Aviation 

In 2008, 859,305 passengers arrived the Maldives by schedule and charter flights. This is a 3.1% increase 

compared to the 833,436 passengers that arrived in the year 2007. While more than 80% of the passengers 

arrived by Schedule flights, Charter flight passengers accounted for 19.2% of the total arrivals. As seen in 

Table 11, the charter flight passengers has been increasing steadily over the last five years, from 133,241 

passengers in 2004 to 164,587 passengers by the end of 2008. 

Operator 

No. of 

Movements 

(Take off / 

Landing) 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

Passenger 

In 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 

International Schedule 9,074 578,147 7,400 419,271 8,114 592,971 9,414 669,219 9,993 694,718 

Aeroflot 54 3,320 - - 4 585 - - 26 2,492 

Air Europe -Italy 400 48,491 - - - - - - - - 

Air Seychelles 384 5,343 44 785 - - - - - - 

Air Sahara 66 1,680 264 8,575 - - 

Austrian Airlines 206 11,379 130 7,368 158 11,482 110 7,827 42 3,342 

Bangkok Airways 50 1,333 26 359 18 741 224 9,142 256 8,872 

China Eastern Airlines 280 7,075 217 7,690 

Condor 228 25,695 220 23,060 260 27,431 258 28,512 252 27,949 

Czech Airlines 4 19 28 147 - - - - - - 

Emirates 1,656 99,045 1,390 74,411 1,336 103,911 1,242 109,713 1,234 128,053 

Eurofly 446 52,974 372 39,317 444 50,049 487 50,476 522 52,787 

Island Aviation Corporation - - - - - - - - 991 25,028 

Indian Airlines 734 42,036 736 45,678 820 52,433 1,258 68,425 1,326 63,836 

Krasair - - 12 772 - - - - - - 

Jazeera Airways 38 641 30 498 

L. T. U 340 39,858 306 29,068 310 38,206 314 37,859 258 29,896 

Lauda Air - Italy / Livingston 98 9,365 98 10,700 190 23,268 190 23,219 138 13,209 

Lauda Air - Vienna - - - - - - - - - - 

Malaysia Airlines 208 14,090 288 16,822 312 21,984 333 15,297 422 27,162 

Martin Air - - 18 802 152 4,616 56 1,229 - - 

Mihin Lanka - - - - - - 208 10,229 116 4,603 

Qatar Airways 740 31,409 722 31,768 734 52,202 736 65,891 732 62,263 

Singapore Airlines 540 62,699 404 35,916 540 63,893 730 90,472 735 83,569 

Srilankan Airlines 2,500 131,091 2,176 102,298 2,184 140,276 1,893 132,406 2,252 153,469 

Viva Macau - - - - 6 214 70 2,231 - - 

Srilankan Airlines (Cargo) 296 0 350 0 388 0 186 0 4 0 

Expo Aviation (Cargo) 190 0 80 0 192 0 537 0 440 0 

23

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

Operator 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 


Movements Passenger 

(Take off / In 

Landing) 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 

International Charter 1,972 133,241 1,725 94,525 2,356 141,762 3,231 164,217 3,508 164,587 

Air 2000/First Choice 

Airways 

58 7,168 62 7,053 169 19,502 - - - - 

Air Italy - - 2 212 38 3,263 72 7,723 8 925 

Air Luxor 2 0 - - - - - - - - 

Air Plus Comet 36 3,130 - - - - - - - - 

Air Slovakia 46 1,455 - - - - - - - - 

Atlant Soyuz - - - - - - - - 34 2,927 

Belair 52 5,269 24 1,662 20 1,509 52 4,430 78 5,899 

Blue Panorama Airlines 38 3,555 12 733 98 9,186 84 9,317 96 9,339 

Britannia Airways/ 

Thomson Fly 

50 6,358 50 6,528 34 4,913 18 2,001 76 9,106 

Cathay Pacific 14 1,126 - - - - - - - - 

Condor - - - - - - - - 24 781 

Corse Air International 40 4,850 20 3,194 38 8,543 - - - - 

Domodedovo Airlines 12 530 4 234 - - - - - - 

Eagle Aviation 14 729 - - - - - - - - 

Edelweiss 166 19,779 122 14,447 158 20,403 156 18,194 158 18,956 

First Choice - - - - - - 210 25,172 180 21,406 

Kras Air 51 1,225 20 535 - - 40 3,575 131 13,463 

Malev - Hungarian 

Airlines 

12 798 4 139 20 1,376 18 937 - - 

Monarch Airlines 264 41,523 214 35,945 158 27,433 226 33,728 190 30,243 

My Travel Airways 52 7,957 16 2,139 38 4,194 72 8,558 - - 

Neos Spa 6 225 96 10,732 162 18,600 78 7,950 82 9,099 

Star Airlines/XL Airways 56 9,179 4 623 56 7,431 110 16,651 110 16,000 

Transaero Airlines 122 10,019 92 8,531 80 11,262 140 14,746 122 15,406 

Travel Services 32 1,044 - - - - 2 45 8 410 

Tuifly Nordic - - - - - - - - 10 1,394 

Vaso Airlines - - - - - - 7 303 - - 

Volare - - - - 4 189 40 3,785 60 4,070 

Other Internationals 849 7,322 983 1,818 1,283 3,958 1,906 7,102 2,141 5,163 

Total 11,046 711,388 9,125 513,796 10,470 734,733 12,645 833,436 13,501 859,305 



At the end of 2008, international scheduled flight movements increased by 6.2% and charter flights increased 

by 8.6%. Aeroflot restarted its scheduled flights in 2008. Three Airliners, namely, Air Sahara, Martin Air and 

Viva Macau stopped its scheduled flights in 2008. 

The major highlight for the year 2008 was the beginning of charter flights from Atlant Soyuz, a Russian 

Airliner. With a total flight movements of 34, it brought in 2,927 passengers to the Maldives in 2008. The 

Condor flight, also operated charter flights to the Gan International Airport, the second international airport 

opened in the Maldives in 2007. 

24

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

Operator 




Landing) 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 


Movements 


Landing) 

Passenger 

In 




Landing) 

Domestic 

Air Equator 256 3,076 175 2,263 - - - - - - 

Island Aviation 

Services 

Maldivian Air 

Taxi 

Trans Maldivian 

Airways (Scheduled) 

Trans Maldivian 

Airways 

Other Domestic 

* 

4,535 45,754 5,470 55,694 7,378 72,272 9,139 93,244 9,311 90,557 

34,762 163,048 25,150 136,569 35,859 186,522 38,959 195,361 39,570 204,413 

- - - - - - - - 1,538 21,408 

21,186 109,144 14,753 63,950 22,152 96,221 26,798 109,825 25,856 101,624 

1,347 0 1,443 0 2,028 0 - - - - 

Total 62,086 321,022 46,991 258,476 67,417 355,015 74,896 398,430 76,275 418,002 



Even though there has not been any major increase in domestic flight movements, the passenger arrivals from 

domestic carriers showed nearly a 5% growth over 2007. While the Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian 

Airways, mainly cater to the tourism sector of the Maldives, flight movements as well as passenger traffic, 

increased in 2008, Island Aviation Services showed a decline in passenger movements in 2008 compared to 

2007. 

25

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Economic growth of the Maldives has been largely driven by the tourism sector. Tourism is the leading 

industry and a range of tertiary activities have grown to support tourism. 

Year GDP GDP Growth % Tourism Contribution 

% Share of Tourism 

Contribution 

2004 8,312.30 9.5 2,688.80 32.3 

2005 7,927.50 -4.6 1,798.50 22.7 

2006 9,442.60 19.1 2,559.70 _/ 27.4 _/ 

2007 10,067.40 6.6 2,816.60 27.9 

2008 10,607.30 5.4 2,884.95 27.2 

Note: _/ Revised fi gures 


Data provided by: Department of National Planning 

From mid 80’s till early 2000’s tourism has contributed over 30% to the GDP of the Maldives. Though 

the percentage contribution nearly dropped by 10%, after the impact of Asian Tsunami of 2004, it started 

recovering in 2006. In 2007, tourism contribution stood at 27.9% and 2008 it showed a slight decline -0.7%. 

The decline in 2008 was due to the slow down in tourist arrivals in 2008 as a result of world economic 

recession. 

Year 

Government 

Revenue 

Tourism Revenue 

% Share of Tourism 

Revenue 

Tourism Tax 

% Share of 

Tourism Tax to 

Tourism Revenue 

2004 3,351.80 921.47 27.5 409.50 44.4 

2005 3,788.30 911.80 24.1 346.50 _/ 37.8 

2006 5,286.70 1,776.90 33.6 495.70 27.9 

2007 _// 6,669.40 2,525.07 37.9 544.25 21.7 

2008 7,054.43 1,969.72 27.9 566.55 28.8 

Note: _/ Revised fi gures, _// Provisional estimates 


Data provided by: Department of Inland Revenue 

Over the last five years, tourism contribution to the government revenue has been increasing steadily. In 2004 

tourism contributed about 28% to the government revenue. In 2008, total Government Revenue was 7,054.43 

million Rufiyaa out of which 1,969.72 million came from tourism. The percentage share of tourism revenue 

to the total government revenue in 2008 was 27.9%. 

29

Year Government Expenditure Tourism Expenditure 

% Share of 

Tourism Expenditure 

2004 3,779.10 56.30 1.5 

2005 5,775.40 57.40 1.0 

2006 _/ 7,066.20 100.80 1.4 

2007 9,036.30 111.80 1.2 

2008 10,801.76 170.80 1.6 

Note: _/ Revised fi gures, 


Data provided by: Ministry of Finance & Treasury 

Even though the tourism revenue has been increasing at a steady rate over the years, the share of government 

expenditure on tourism is very low (refer Table 16). From 2005 to 2006 tourism expenditure almost doubled 

as a result of the extra activities that had to be carried out to recover from the impacts of Asian tsunami of 

2004. 

In 2008, a total of 170.80 million Rufiyaa were spent on tourism, which is 1.6 of total government 

expenditure. 

Year 

Tourism Receipts Growth Rate (%) Exports, FOB Imports, CIF 

2004 470.87 17.27 122.40 639.30 

2005 286.64 -39.13 103.80 742.00 

2006 512.45 _/ 78.78 135.07 922.92 

2007 602.37 17.55 107.80 1,092.02 

2008 696.30 * 15.59 125.87 1,382.11 

Note: _/ Revised fi gures, * Provisional estimates 


Data provided by: Maldives Monetary Authority 

Maldives Customs Services 

Tourism Receipts, which is calculated in United States Dollars, has been increasing over the years (refer 

Table 17). In 2004 a total of 470.87 million US Dollars was received as tourism receipts. In 2008 tourism 

receipts totalled 692.32 million dollars. This was an increase of 15% over 2007. 

30

ADDITIONAL TABLES

Name of the Resort 

Atoll & Island Name 

Airport 

Distance 

(Km) 

Year of Initial Initial Bed 

Operation Capacity 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

1Adhaaran Club Bathala A.A. Bathala 48.3 1983 20 90 90 90 90 90 

2Adhaaran Club Rannaalhi K. Rannalhi 2.0 1978 34 232 232 232 232 256 

3Adhaaran Select Hudhuranfushi K. Lhohifushi 22.5 1979 40 274 274 274 354 354 

4Adhaaran Select Meedhupparu R. Meedhupparu 130.3 2000 430 430 466 470 470 470 

5Alimatha Aquatic Resort V. Alimatha 48.0 1975 20 204 260 260 260 260 

6Anantara Resort & Spa Maldives K. Dhigufinolhu 40.0 1980 24 200 200 220 220 220 

7Angaaga Island Resort and Spa A.Dh. Angaga 85.0 1989 100 140 140 140 140 140 

8Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives, Ihuru K. Ihuru 17.0 1978 20 90 90 90 90 90 

9Angsana Resort and Spa Maldives - Velavaru Dh. Velavaru 125.0 1998 50 168 168 168 168 168 

10Asdhu Sun Island K. Asdhu 32.0 1981 36 60 60 60 60 60 

11Athurugau Island Resort A.Dh. Athurugau 90.0 1990 79 98 98 98 98 98 

12Bandos Island Resort and Spa K. Bandos 8.0 1972 220 450 450 450 450 450 

13Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru K. Vabbinfaru 12.0 1977 24 96 96 96 96 96 

14Baros Holiday Resort K. Baros 16.0 1973 56 150 150 150 150 150 

15Biyaadhu Island Resort K. Biyaadhoo 18.0 1982 192 192 192 192 192 192 

16Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa M. Hakuraa Huraa 128.7 1999 72 160 160 160 160 160 

17Cinnamon Island Alidhoo H.A. Alidhoo 300.0 2007 66 - - - 200 200 

18Club Faru, Farukolhufushi K. Farukolhufushi 2.0 1973 112 304 304 304 304 304 

19Club Med Kanifinolhu K. Kanifinolhu 19.3 1978 18 378 378 444 444 444 

20Coco Palm Boduhithi K. Boduhithi 29.0 1979 50 206 206 206 206 206 

21Coco Palm Dhunikolhu B. Dhunikolhu 124.0 1998 192 200 200 200 200 200 

22Coco Palm Kudahithi K. Kudahithi 27.4 1984 12 14 14 14 14 14 

23Cocoa Island K. Makunufushi 30.0 1981 12 60 70 70 70 70 

24Conrad Maldives Rangali Island A.Dh. Rangalifinolhu 96.6 1992 80 304 304 304 304 304 

25Diva Maldives A.Dh. Dhidhdhufinolhu 104.0 1988 180 282 282 282 282 394 

26Dhiggiri Tourist Resort V. Dhiggiri 32.0 1982 50 90 90 90 90 90 

27Chaaya Island Dhonveli K. Kanuoiy Huraa 13.0 1981 20 92 128 176 292 292 

28Dream Island Maldives K. Villivaru 29.0 1981 120 120 120 120 120 120 

29Ellaidhu Tourist Resort A.A., Ellaidhoo 54.0 1985 32 156 156 156 176 224 

30Emboodhu Village K. Emboodhu 8.0 1979 44 236 236 236 236 236 

31Eriyadhu Island Resort K. Eriyadhu 40.0 1982 40 114 114 114 114 114 

32Fihalhohi Island Resort K. Fihaalhohi 28.0 1981 90 300 300 300 300 300 

33Filitheyo Island Resort F. Filitheyo 120.7 1999 250 250 250 250 250 250 

34Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa K. Kuda Huraa 12.9 1977 32 212 212 212 212 212 

35Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru B. Landaa Giraavaru 120.0 2006 206 - - 206 206 206 

36Full Moon Beach Resort K. Furanafushi 5.6 1973 112 312 312 312 312 312 

33



Airport 

Distance 

(Km) 

Year of Initial 

Operation 

Initial Bed 

Capacity 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

37Fun Island Resort K. Bodufinolhu 38.0 1980 44 200 200 200 200 200 

38Gangehi Island Resort A.A. Gangehi 77.2 1987 50 50 50 50 50 72 

39Gasfinolhu Island Resort K. Gasfinolhu 23.0 1980 18 80 80 80 80 80 

40Giraavaru Tourist Resort K. Giraavaru 11.3 1980 40 132 132 132 132 132 

41Halaveli Holiday Village A.A. Halaveli 36.0 1982 30 112 112 112 112 112 

42Helengeli Island Resort K. Helengeli 46.7 1979 20 100 100 100 100 100 

43Handhufushi S. Herethere 480.0 2007 106 - - - 546 546 

44Holiday Island A.Dh. Dhiffushi 93.0 1994 284 284 284 284 284 284 

45Huvafenfushi K. Nakatchafushi 25.7 1979 80 102 102 102 102 102 

46Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort N. Medhafushi 238.0 2008 200 - - - - 300 

Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi 

47 H.A. Dhonakulhi 250.0 2005 50 - 50 90 90 90 

Maldives, Spa Resort & Marina 

48Island of Bolifushi K. Bolifushi 12.0 1982 64 110 110 110 110 110 

49Kandooma Tourist Resort K. Kandoomafushi 27.4 1985 98 204 204 204 204 322 

50Kihaadhuffaru Resort B. Kihaadhuffaru 104.6 1999 200 200 200 200 200 200 

51Komandoo Maldive Island Resort Lh. Komandoo 128.7 1998 90 90 120 120 120 120 

52Kudarah Island Resort A.Dh. Kudarah 88.5 1991 50 60 60 60 60 60 

53Kuramathi Tourist Resort A.A. Kuramathi 56.3 1977 48 580 580 580 580 580 

54Kuredhdhu Island Resort Lh. Kuredhdhu 128.7 1978 18 660 660 660 740 746 

55Kurumba Maldives K. Vihamanaafushi 3.2 1972 60 362 362 362 362 362 

56Laguna Maldives K. Velassaru 11.3 1974 90 258 258 258 258 258 

57Lily Beach Resort A.Dh. Huvahendhoo 85.0 1994 168 170 170 170 170 170 

58Maayafushi Tourist Resort A.A. Maayafushi 63.0 1983 48 134 150 150 150 150 

59Machchafushi Island Resort A.Dh. Machchafushi 95.0 1992 96 128 128 128 128 128 

60Madoogali Resort A.A. Madoogali 77.2 1989 70 112 112 112 112 112 

61Makunudhoo Island K. Makunudhu 38.6 1983 58 74 74 74 74 74 

62Medhufushi Island Resort M. Medhufushi 128.7 2000 240 240 240 240 240 240 

63Meeru Island Resort K. Meerufenfushi 37.0 1978 128 454 518 518 570 570 

64Mirihi Island Resort A.Dh. Mirihi 112.6 1989 36 72 72 72 72 72 

65Moofushi Island Resort A.Dh. Moofushi 80.0 1990 84 120 124 124 124 124 

66Naladhu K. Veligandu Huraa 27.0 1986 32 112 112 112 138 138 

67Nika Island Resort A.A. Kudafolhudhu 69.2 1983 30 56 76 76 76 76 

68Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort K. Olhuveli 51.5 1979 36 250 268 268 268 268 

69One & Only Kanuhura, Maldives Lh. Kanuhuraa 125.5 1999 200 200 200 200 200 200 

70One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives K. Medhufinolhu 64.4 1979 24 120 264 264 264 264 

71Palm Beach Island Lh. Madhiriguraidhoo 128.7 1999 200 200 200 216 216 228 

72Paradise Island Resort & Spa K. Lankanfinolhu 9.6 1979 24 520 520 520 520 568 

34



Airport 

Distance 

(Km) 

Year of Initial 

Operation 

Initial Bed 

Capacity 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

73Ranveli Village A.Dh. Villingilivaru 77.0 1991 112 112 112 112 112 112 

74Reethi Beach Resort B. Fonimagoodhoo 104.6 1998 200 200 200 200 200 200 

75Rihiveli Beach Resort K. Mahaanaelhi Huraa 40.2 1980 40 100 100 100 100 100 

76Royal Island Resort & Spa B. Horubadhoo 110.0 2001 304 304 304 304 304 304 

77Soneva Fushi By Six Senses B. Kunfunadhoo 104.6 1983 50 130 130 130 130 130 

78Soneva Gili By Six Senses K. Lankanfushi 9.7 1980 12 88 94 94 94 94 

79Summer Island Village K. Ziyaaraifushi 35.0 1983 58 216 216 216 216 216 

80Sun Island Resort & Spa A.Dh. Nalaguraidhoo 99.8 1998 700 852 852 852 852 852 

81Taj Coral Reef Resort K. Hembadhoo 32.2 1982 68 132 132 132 132 132 

82Taj Exortica Resort & Spa Maldives K. Embudhu Finolhu 12.9 1983 20 128 128 128 128 128 

83 The Beach House at Manafaru Maldives H.A Manafaru 337.0 2007 100 - - - 100 142 

84Thulhaagiri Island Resort K. Thulhaagiri 11.0 1980 44 138 138 138 138 138 

85Thundufushi Island Resort A.Dh. Thundufushi 80.5 1990 74 94 94 94 94 94 

86Twin Island Resort A.Dh. Maafushivaru 54.7 1991 60 94 94 94 98 98 

87Vaadhu Island Resort K. Vaadhu 8.0 1978 18 66 66 66 66 66 

88Vakarufalhi Island Resort A.Dh. Vakarufalhi 90.0 1994 100 100 100 100 100 100 

89Velidhoo Island Resort A.A. Velidhoo 80.5 1989 22 200 200 200 200 200 

90Veligandu Island A.A. Veligandu 51.0 1984 34 146 146 146 148 148 

91Vilamendhoo Island Resort A.Dh. Vilamendhoo 48.3 1994 200 282 282 282 282 282 

92Villu Reef Beach & Spa Resort Dh. Meedhuffushi 128.7 1998 136 156 156 156 156 156 

93W. Retreat & Spa Maldives A.A. Fesdhu 72.4 1982 90 110 110 164 164 164 

94 Zitahli Resort & Spa, Kudafunafaru N. Kudafunafaru 180.0 2008 100 - - - - 100 

Total 16,858 17,348 17,802 19,028 19,860 


35

No. Name of the Island / Land 

Atoll 

No. Beds to be 

Developed 

Estimated Opening Date 

(as at end March 2009) 

11 Islands Leased in 2004 

1 Dholhiyadhoo Shaviyani Atoll 200 Nov - 2009 

2 Funamudua Gaafu Alifu Atoll 100 

3 Hadahaa Gaafu Alifu Atoll 100 Dec - 2009 

4 Hondaafushi Haa Dhaalu Atoll 200 Jul - 2010 

5 Kalhufahalafushi Thaa Atoll 200 NA 

6 Konotta Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 100 Dec - 2009 

7 Lonudhuahuttaa Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 100 Jan - 2010 

8 Maavelaavaru Noonu Atoll 100 Dec - 2009 

9 Olhuveli Laamu Atoll 200 Oct - 2009 

10 Randheli Noonu Atoll 100 Jun - 2010 

Rent Open Islands Leased in 2006 (Phase 1) 

11 Gazeera Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 44 Dec - 2009 

12 Lundhufushi Raa Atoll 40 NA 

13 Meradhoo Gaafu Alifu Atoll 44 Dec - 2009 

14 Munandhuvaa Gaafu Alifu Atoll 48 NA 

15 Vagaru Shaviyani Atoll 70 Dec - 2009 

Rent Controlled Islands Leased in 2006 (Phase 1) 

16 Male’Fushi Thaa Atoll 100 Dec - 2009 

17 Kudamuraidhoo Haa Dhaalu Atoll 250 May - 2010 

18 Vatavarrehaa Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 150 Nov - 2009 

Rent Open Islands Leased in 2006 (Phase 2) 

19 Naridhoo Haa Alifu Atoll 100 NA 

20 Maanenfushi Raa Atoll 150 NA 

21 Dhekunu Boduveli, Gasveli, Kudausfushi Meemu Atoll 60 Jul - 2010 

22 Mahadhdhoo Gaafu Alifu Atoll 100 Dec 2009 

23 Kaishidhoo Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 60 NA 

Rent Controlled Islands Leased in 2006 (Phase 2) 

24 Kanbaalifaru Shaviyani Atoll 200 Dec 2009 

25 Gaakoshibee Shaviyani Atoll 200 Jan - 2010 

26 Kanifushi Lhaviyani Atoll 300 Dec - 2010 

27 Elaa Thaa Atoll 280 Dec 2009 

Hotels to be Developed in Regional Airports 

28 Hanimaadhoo Haa Dhaalu Atoll 200 May - 2010 

29 Kaadedhdhoo Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 200 NA 

30 Kadhdhoo Laamu Atoll 200 NA 

Population Consolidation Resorts 

31 Berinmadhoo Haa Alifu Atoll 200 Feb - 2010 

32 Eththigili Raa Atoll 200 NA 

33 Falhumaafushi Gaafu Alifu Atoll 200 May 2010 

34 Vakkaru Baa Atoll 200 Jan - 2010 

36

No. Name of the Island / Land 

Atoll 

No. Beds to be 

Developed 

Estimated Opening Date 

(as at end March 2009) 

Islands Leased to AIM (Associated with an Airport) 

35 Farukolhu - North (Transit Hotel) Shaviyani Atoll 200 NA 

36 Farukolhu - South Shaviyani Atoll 200 NA 

37 Kudahuvadhoo (Transit Hotel) Dhaalu Atoll 200 

38 Maafushi Dhaalu Atoll 200 NA 

39 Maavedhdhoo (Transit Hotel) Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 200 NA 

40 Odegalla Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 200 NA 

41 Olhugiri Thaa Atoll 200 NA 

42 Raaverehaa (Transit Hotel) Gaafu Alifu Atoll 200 

43 Thimarafushi (Transit Hotel) Thaa Atoll 200 NA 

44 Ufulandhoo Raa Atoll 200 

Other Tourist Establishments Associated with an Airport 

45 Dharavandhoo (Transit Hotel) Baa Atoll 200 NA 

46 Dhigurah Gaafu Alifu Atoll 200 NA 

47 Huvandhumaavattaru Resort Noonu Atoll 200 NA 

48 Maafaru (Transit Hotel) Noonu Atoll 200 NA 

49 Mudhdhoo Baa Atoll 200 NA 

Islands Leased to MTDC 

50 Ekulhivaru Noonu Atoll 180 Sep - 2010 

51 Embudhufuhi & Olhuveli Dhaalu Atoll 220 Sep - 2010 

52 Kihavah Huravalhi Baa Atoll 110 Sep - 2010 

53 Kondeymatheelaabadhu Gaafu Alifu Atoll 100 Sep - 2010 

54 Magudhdhuvaa Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll 200 Sep - 2010 

55 Naagoashi Haa Dhaalu Atoll 600 Sep - 2010 

56 Uligamu (City Hotel) Haa Alifu Atoll 100 Sep - 2010 

57 Vodamulaa Gaafu Alifu Atoll 300 

Other Islands + City Hotels 

58 Hankede Seenu Atoll 160 NA 

59 Fuvahmulah Gnayiyani Atoll 120 NA 

60 Hudhufushi Lhaviyani Atoll 400 N A 

61 Male’ Hotel Kaafu Atoll 200 NA 

62 Villingili Seenu Atoll 396 Sep - 2009 

Lagoon Resorts 

63 Kaashidhuffaru Kaafu Atoll 200 

64 Kelaa Haa Alifu Atoll 200 NA 

Training Resorts 

65 Bodufinolhu & Gasgan’du finolhu Laamu Atoll 150 Sep 2010 

66 Gan Laamu Atoll 150 

67 Nolhivaranfaru Haa Dhaalu Atoll 200 NA 


37

Full Time Courses Other Courses Grand 

Total 

Year Male Female Total Male Female Total 

2004 122 18 140 182 225 407 547 

2005 90 28 118 104 110 214 332 

2006 70 25 95 151 26 177 272 

2007 63 16 79 104 71 175 254 

2008 75 49 124 64 13 77 201 

Total 282 71 556 437 361 1,050 1,606 


Data provided by: Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies 

Year Arrivals % change Departure % change 

2004 66,503 53.9 60,930 38.2 

2005 72,831 9.5 76,977 26.3 

2006 82,243 12.9 74,348 -3.4 

2007 100,575 22.3 101,842 37.0 

2008 121,287 20.6 123,008 20.8 



Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Seasonality 

Ratio 

2004 120 116 124 108 82 66 85 109 91 102 110 87 1.2 

2005 57 89 108 90 77 69 91 116 102 123 135 142 1.4 

2006 116 109 109 112 82 66 85 100 89 109 107 117 1.2 

2007 115 116 114 112 83 68 91 94 86 104 101 116 1.2 

2008 114 119 126 110 86 71 84 91 89 99 102 110 1.3 



Note 

Seasonal Index = (monthly arrivals x 100) / annual average arrivals 

Seasonality Ratio = highest monthly index / 100 

38

By Nationality 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

Europe 475,707 306,856 457,535 495,371 497,565 

(77.1) (77.6) (76.0) (73.3) (72.8) 

Austria 13,059 9,358 14,100 13,673 13,462 

(2.1) (2.4) (2.3) (2.0) (2.0) 

Belgium 3,085 1,595 3,990 3,552 3,368 

(0.5) (0.4) (0.7) (0.5) (0.5) 

Czech Republic 2,433 1,433 2,295 2,766 3,811 

(0.4) (0.4) (0.4) (0.4) (0.6) 

Denmark 1,256 1,095 1,499 1,819 1,834 

(0.2) (0.3) (0.2) (0.3) (0.3) 

Finland 788 357 518 789 865 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) 

France 46,156 21,640 43,627 45,301 48,100 

(7.5) (5.5) (7.2) (6.7) (7.0) 

Germany 72,967 55,782 70,830 72,269 69,240 

(11.8) (14.1) (11.8) (10.7) (10.1) 

Greece 2,949 1,703 3,584 4,850 4,926 

(0.5) (0.4) (0.6) (0.7) (0.7) 

Hungary 3,568 1,124 2,661 2,568 2,052 

(0.6) (0.3) (0.4) (0.4) (0.3) 

Ireland 2,202 1,452 2,648 3,148 2,884 

(0.4) (0.4) (0.4) (0.5) (0.4) 

Israel 747 567 846 1,308 1,588 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) (0.2) 

Italy 131,044 70,115 118,929 117,246 103,824 

(21.2) (17.7) (19.8) (17.3) (15.2) 

Netherlands 6,639 4,151 8,050 6,479 5,595 

(1.1) (1.1) (1.3) (1.0) (0.8) 

Norway 1,331 1,141 1,613 1,808 2,596 

(0.2) (0.3) (0.3) (0.3) (0.4) 

Poland 1,366 1,019 1,844 2,659 3,325 

(0.2) (0.3) (0.3) (0.4) (0.5) 

Portugal 3,608 2,238 3,655 4,188 4,150 

(0.6) (0.6) (0.6) (0.6) (0.6) 

Russia 18,075 14,582 21,955 31,845 48,978 

(2.9) (3.7) (3.6) (4.7) (7.2) 

Slovakia 1,936 501 944 1,469 1,916 

(0.3) (0.1) (0.2) (0.2) (0.3) 

Slovenia 755 569 796 1,204 1,372 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) (0.2) 

Spain 7,561 3,510 6,678 8,798 8,217 

(1.2) (0.9) (1.1) (1.3) (1.2) 

Sweden 2,482 1,318 1,800 2,149 3,542 

(0.4) (0.3) (0.3) (0.3) (0.5) 

Switzerland 29,252 19,321 26,251 26,183 26,983 

(4.7) (4.9) (4.4) (3.9) (4.0) 

Turkey 2,610 869 2,044 2,442 3,235 

(0.4) (0.2) (0.3) (0.4) (0.5) 

Ukraine 1,316 1,060 2,427 3,545 5,399 

(0.2) (0.3) (0.4) (0.5) (0.8) 

United Kingdom 113,991 87,264 107,995 125,158 116,821 

(18.5) (22.1) (17.9) (18.5) (17.1) 

Other Europe 4,531 3,092 5,956 8,155 9,482 

(0.7) (0.8) (1.0) (1.2) (1.4) 

Asia 112,491 69,498 117,055 144,363 145,494 

(18.2) (17.6) (19.4) (21.4) (21.3) 

Bangladesh 667 643 1,050 1,284 455 

(0.1) (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) (0.1) 

China 20,599 11,609 26,396 35,976 41,511 

(3.3) (2.9) (4.4) (5.3) (6.1) 

India 10,999 10,260 12,071 17,327 16,663 

(1.8) (2.6) (2.0) (2.6) (2.4) 

Indonesia 622 520 625 943 581 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) 

Japan 46,939 23,269 39,528 41,121 38,193 

(7.6) (5.9) (6.6) (6.1) (5.6) 

Korea 9,672 6,543 16,157 20,976 20,934 

(1.6) (1.7) (2.7) (3.1) (3.1) 

Malaysia 2,908 2,366 2,915 2,999 3,137 

(0.5) (0.6) (0.5) (0.4) (0.5) 

Pakistan 1,529 940 1,119 1,013 1,191 

(0.2) (0.2) (0.2) (0.1) (0.2) 

Philippines 499 565 666 982 871 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) 

Singapore 3,016 3,258 4,255 4,456 4,956 

(0.5) (0.8) (0.7) (0.7) (0.7) 

Sri Lanka 8,351 7,165 7,954 9,654 9,752 

(1.4) (1.8) (1.3) (1.4) (1.4) 

Taiwan 1,842 685 1,281 2,018 2,233 

(0.3) (0.2) (0.2) (0.3) (0.3) 

Thailand 3,289 1,114 2,251 3,663 3,952 

(0.5) (0.3) (0.4) (0.5) (0.6) 

Other Asia 1,559 561 787 1,951 1,065 

(0.3) (0.1) (0.1) (0.3) (0.2) 

39

By Nationality 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

Africa 5,325 3,460 4,169 4,846 5,694 

(0.9) (0.9) (0.7) (0.7) (0.8) 

South Africa 3,846 2,392 2,973 3,293 3,732 

(0.6) (0.6) (0.5) (0.5) (0.5) 

Other Africa 1,479 1,068 1,196 1,553 1,962 

(0.2) (0.3) (0.2) (0.2) (0.3) 

Americas 9,390 7,244 10,813 14,198 14,480 

(1.5) (1.8) (1.8) (2.1) (2.1) 

Brazil 533 429 564 708 1,327 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) 

Canada 2,069 1,426 2,196 2,851 2,966 

(0.3) (0.4) (0.4) (0.4) (0.4) 

U.S.A 5,999 4,833 7,150 9,348 8,853 

(1.0) (1.2) (1.2) (1.4) (1.3) 

Other Americas 789 556 903 1,291 1,334 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) 

Oceania 9,286 5,858 7,979 10,661 10,574 

(1.5) (1.5) (1.3) (1.6) (1.5) 

Australia 8,216 5,087 6,892 9,406 9,368 

(1.3) (1.3) (1.1) (1.4) (1.4) 

New Zealand 993 697 1,006 1,142 1,184 

(0.2) (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) 

Other Oceania 77 74 81 113 22 

(0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (0.0) 

Middle East 4,517 2,404 4,372 6,450 9,205 

(0.7) (0.6) (0.7) (1.0) (1.3) 

Kuwait 573 290 668 1,004 1,340 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) 

Lebanon 438 238 402 660 1,139 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) 

Saudi Arabia 1,872 691 1,530 1,940 2,747 

(0.3) (0.2) (0.3) (0.3) (0.4) 

United Arab Emirates 406 230 492 807 1,394 

(0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) (0.2) 

Other Middle East 1,228 955 1,280 2,039 2,585 

(0.2) (0.2) (0.2) (0.3) (0.4) 

Global Total 616,716 395,320 601,923 675,889 683,012 




Europe 7.4 -35.5 49.1 8.3 0.4 

Austria 5.4 -28.3 50.7 -3.0 -1.5 

Belgium 10.4 -48.3 150.2 -11.0 -5.2 

Czech Republic 25.7 -41.1 60.2 20.5 37.8 

Denmark 17.1 -12.8 36.9 21.3 0.8 

Finland 28.3 -54.7 45.1 52.3 9.6 

France 12.4 -53.1 101.6 3.8 6.2 

Germany 3.1 -23.6 27.0 2.0 -4.2 

Greece 28.9 -42.3 110.5 35.3 1.6 

Hungary 40.3 -68.5 136.7 -3.5 -20.1 

Ireland 30.8 -34.1 82.4 18.9 -8.4 

Israel 36.3 -24.1 49.2 54.6 21.4 

Italy -6.6 -46.5 69.6 -1.4 -11.4 

Netherlands 31.5 -37.5 93.9 -19.5 -13.6 

Norway 34.9 -14.3 41.4 12.1 43.6 

Poland 39.1 -25.4 81.0 44.2 25.0 

Portugal 6.8 -38.0 63.3 14.6 -0.9 

Russia 49.3 -19.3 50.6 45.0 53.8 

Slovakia 24.7 -74.1 88.4 55.6 30.4 

Slovenia 14.2 -24.6 39.9 51.3 14.0 

Spain 19.6 -53.6 90.3 31.7 -6.6 

40


Europe 7.4 -35.5 49.1 8.3 0.4 

Sweden 27.9 -46.9 36.6 19.4 64.8 

Switzerland -5.0 -33.9 35.9 -0.3 3.1 

Turkey 6.9 -66.7 135.2 19.5 32.5 

Ukraine 32.3 -19.5 129.0 46.1 52.3 

United Kingdom 21.3 -23.4 23.8 15.9 -6.7 

Other countries 15.9 -31.8 92.6 36.9 16.3 

Asia 14.6 -38.2 68.4 23.3 0.8 

Bangladesh 113.1 -3.6 63.3 22.3 -64.6 

China 37.1 -43.6 127.4 36.3 15.4 

India -4.4 -6.7 17.7 43.5 -3.8 

Indonesia 9.9 -16.4 20.2 50.9 -38.4 

Japan 11.5 -50.4 69.9 4.0 -7.1 

Korea 14.9 -32.4 146.9 29.8 -0.2 

Malaysia 29.2 -18.6 23.2 2.9 4.6 

Pakistan -21.3 -38.5 19.0 -9.5 17.6 

Philippines 32.7 13.2 17.9 47.4 -11.3 

Singapore -35.2 8.0 30.6 4.7 11.2 

Sri Lanka 14.5 -14.2 11.0 21.4 1.0 

Taiwan 100.0 -62.8 87.0 57.5 10.7 

Thailand 9.3 -66.1 102.1 62.7 7.9 

Other countries 109.8 -64.0 40.3 147.9 -45.4 

Africa 33.7 -35.0 20.5 16.2 17.5 

South Africa 31.3 -37.8 24.3 10.8 13.3 


Americas 22.5 -22.9 49.3 31.3 2.0 

Brazil 19.2 -19.5 31.5 25.5 87.4 

Canada 25.5 -31.1 54.0 29.8 4.0 

U.S.A 19.9 -19.4 47.9 30.7 -5.3 


Oceania 31.8 -36.9 36.2 33.6 -0.8 

Australia 34.5 -38.1 35.5 36.5 -0.4 

New Zealand 31.7 -29.8 44.3 13.5 3.7 

Other countries -57.5 -3.9 9.5 39.5 -80.5 

Middle East 24.2 -46.8 81.9 47.5 42.7 

Kuwait 7.5 -49.4 130.3 50.3 33.5 

Lebanon 28.1 -45.7 68.9 64.2 72.6 

Saudi Arabia 44.4 -63.1 121.4 26.8 41.6 

United Arab Emirates 12.8 -43.3 113.9 64.0 72.7 


Global Total 9.4 -35.9 52.3 12.3 1.1 



41

Region / Nationality Jan-Mar ‘08 Jan-Mar ‘09 

% Change ‘09/’08 

(Jan-Mar) 

% Share ‘09 

(Jan-Mar) 

Europe 161,916 143,221 -11.5 78.6 

Austria 5,308 4,837 -8.9 2.7 

Belgium 1,224 1,136 -7.2 0.6 

Czech Republic 1,401 1,402 0.1 0.8 

Denmark 722 621 -14.0 0.3 

Finland 325 419 28.9 0.2 

France 19,966 19,913 -0.3 10.9 

Germany 20,131 16,951 -15.8 9.3 

Greece 651 671 3.1 0.4 

Hungary 1,099 1,005 -8.6 0.6 

Ireland 687 506 -26.3 0.3 

Israel 259 166 -35.9 0.1 

Italy 41,968 34,644 -17.5 19.0 

Netherlands / Holland 1,349 1,452 7.6 0.8 

Norway 722 707 -2.1 0.4 

Poland 969 1,046 7.9 0.6 

Portugal 601 625 4.0 0.3 

Romania 315 348 10.5 0.2 

Russia 13,576 13,640 0.5 7.5 

Slovakia 693 815 17.6 0.4 

Slovenia 388 366 -5.7 0.2 

Spain 1,650 1,267 -23.2 0.7 

Sweden 903 1,391 54.0 0.8 

Switzerland 8,963 8,292 -7.5 4.6 

Turkey 702 539 -23.2 0.3 

Ukraine 1,395 1,459 4.6 0.8 

United Kingdom 33,420 26,297 -21.3 14.4 

Other Europe 2,529 2,706 7.0 1.5 

Asia 33,394 30,825 -7.7 16.9 

Bangladesh 144 74 -48.6 0.0 

China 10,272 10,957 6.7 6.0 

India 4,216 3,596 -14.7 2.0 

Indonesia 143 107 -25.2 0.1 

Japan 8,342 8,261 -1.0 4.5 

Korea 4,234 2,278 -46.2 1.3 

Malaysia 688 657 -4.5 0.4 

Pakistan 263 172 -34.6 0.1 

Philippines 202 183 -9.4 0.1 

Singapore 1,038 971 -6.5 0.5 

Sri Lanka 2,235 1,864 -16.6 1.0 

Taiwan 535 506 -5.4 0.3 

Thailand 738 782 6.0 0.4 

Other Asia 344 417 21.2 0.2 

42

Region / Nationality Jan-Mar ‘08 Jan-Mar ‘09 

% Change ‘09/’08 

(Jan-Mar) 

% Share ‘09 

(Jan-Mar) 

Africa 1,105 907 -17.9 0.5 

South Africa 720 502 -30.3 0.3 

Other Africa 385 405 5.2 0.2 

Americas 3,881 3,546 -8.6 1.9 

Brazil 257 224 -12.8 0.1 

Canada 848 781 -7.9 0.4 

U.S.A. 2,444 2,213 -9.5 1.2 

Other Americas 332 328 -1.2 0.2 

Oceania 2,182 1,984 -9.1 1.1 

Australia 1,921 1,728 -10.0 0.9 

New Zealand 259 253 -2.3 0.1 

Other Oceania 2 3 50.0 0.0 

Middle East 1,729 1,695 -2.0 0.9 

Kuwait 532 291 -45.3 0.2 

Lebanon 134 164 22.4 0.1 

Saudi Arabia 421 552 31.1 0.3 

United Arab Emirates 229 269 17.5 0.1 

Other Middle East 413 419 1.5 0.2 

Total Tourist Arrivals 204,207 182,178 -10.8 100.0 



43

Year January February March Jan - Mar 

TOURIST ARRIVALS 

Total 

Frontier Arrivals 2008 64,621 67,963 71,623 204,207 

2009 61,531 58,520 62,127 182,178 

Growth % -4.8 -13.9 -13.3 -10.8 

Surface Arrivals 2008 274 326 879 1,479 

2009 113 169 13 295 

Growth % -58.8 -48.2 -98.5 -80.1 

BED NIGHTS 

Total 

Resorts 2008 521,888 520,331 551,335 1,593,554 

2009 507,912 456,697 481,336 1,445,945 

Growth % -2.7 -12.2 -12.7 -9.3 

Hotels 2008 15,503 15,906 16,620 48,029 

2009 15,428 12,854 13,628 41,910 

Growth % -0.5 -19.2 -18.0 -12.7 

Total 2008 537,391 536,237 567,955 1,641,583 

2009 523,340 469,551 494,964 1,487,855 

Growth % -2.6 -12.4 -12.9 -9.4 

REGISTERED CAPACITY 2009 (RESORTS, HOTELS & SAFARI VESSELS) 

Average 

Number of Resorts 94 94 94 94 

Resort Bed Capacity 19,882 19,886 19,886 19,885 

Number of Hotels 13 13 13 13 

Hotel Bed Capacity 1,110 1,110 1,110 1,110 

Number of Safari Vessels 143 144 144 144 

Safari Vessel Bed Capacity 2,135 2,137 2,133 2,135 

Number of Guest Houses 28 28 28 28 

Guest House Bed Capacity 578 578 578 578 

Total No. 278 279 279 279 

Beds 23,705 23,711 23,707 23,708 

OPERATIONAL CAPACITY (RESORTS & HOTELS) 

Average 

No. of Resorts 2008 85 85 84 85 

2009 82 82 82 82 

Resort Bed Capacity 2008 18,238 18,250 17,974 18,154 

2009 18,412 18,416 18,498 18,442 

Number of Hotels 2008 12 12 12 12 

2009 13 13 13 13 

Hotel Bed Capacity 2008 1,030 1,030 1,030 1,030 

2009 1,110 1,110 1,110 1,110 

Total No. 2008 97 97 96 97 

2009 95 95 95 95 

Total Beds 2008 19,268 19,280 19,004 19,184 

2009 19,522 19,526 19,608 19,552 

44

Year January February March Jan - Mar 

OCCUPANCY RATE (%) 

Average 

Resorts 2008 92.3 101.8 98.9 97.7 

2009 89.0 88.6 84.0 87.2 

Change -3.3 -13.3 -15.0 -10.5 

Hotels 2008 48.6 55.2 52.1 51.9 

2009 44.8 41.4 39.6 41.9 

Change -3.7 -13.8 -12.4 -10.0 

Total 2008 90.0 99.3 96.4 95.2 

2009 86.5 85.9 81.5 84.6 

Change -3.5 -13.4 -14.9 -10.6 

AVG. DURATION OF STAY (RESORTS & HOTELS) 2008 8.3 7.9 7.9 8.0 

(Days) 2009 9.4 8.7 8.6 8.9 

Change 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.8 


45

TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS 2008

During the course of the year 2008, the Ministry of Tourism greeted three new ministers. The first change 

had been when Dr. Abdulla Mausoom was appointed as the Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation on 15 July 

2008. His appointment came following Dr. Mahmood Shaugee’s resignation as the Minister of Tourism & 

Civil Aviation. 

In 29 September 2008, Mr. Abdulla Yameen was appointed as the Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, 

while Dr. Mausoom was appointed as the Minister of Environment, Energy and Water. 

In 11 November 2008, after the presidential election and with the change of the government, Ministry of 

Tourism & Civil Aviation was renamed as Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Dr. Ahmed Ali Sawad was 

appointed as the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture under the new administration of government. 

The “2nd UNWTO Asia/Pacific Executive Training Program 

on Tourism Policy and Strategy” was held in Paradise Island 

Resort and Spa, Maldives from 19-25 May 2008. The training 

program was organized by the United Nations World Tourism 

Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Ministry of 

Tourism and Civil Aviation of Maldives, with financial support 

from the Government of the Republic of Korea. 

The aim of the program was to provide a platform for high level policy makers to get together for brainstorming 

of contemporary tourism issues. 

A total of 39 delegates from 20 different countries, including Maldives, participated in this program. In 

addition to the training, delegates also visited some of the resorts and inhabited islands in the vicinity, on a 

one day technical tour to experience “one island one resort” policy. 

A seminar on the management of human resources, organized 

by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, was held on 2nd 

June 2008 to discuss various issues faced by stakeholders and 

employees in the tourism sector. The main purpose of this seminar 

was to draft a proposal on strategic human resource solutions that 

would address the human resources issues of the tourism industry 

of the Maldives. 

Key issues discussed included the significant lack of women 

participating in the tourism industry, the lack of awareness with 

regard to career opportunities in the tourism industry, and the fact that there are relatively few locals being 

employed at managerial positions in the hospitality sector. 

Brainstorming sessions were also held to identify ways to motivate locals to work in the tourism sector, and to 

discuss which jobs are more suited for expatriates and locals as well as to increase the number of Maldivians 

at managerial positions in the tourism industry. 

49

A survey was carried out in February 2008, to find out the factors that motivate locals for resort employment. 

The survey was undertaken by a private company named, Laurel Maldives Pvt Ltd at the request of the 

Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation. A total of 310 local employees from 5 resorts were interviewed through 

a questionnaire. The five resorts selected for the survey were the resorts with highest percentage of local 

employees in them. 

According to the findings of the survey, locals are motivated to work in resorts where they are treated well 

and paid fairly. They have noted in order of preference freedom, food, sports, accommodation, salary, 

environment (resort culture), job security, training, good management, and proximity to Male’ or home island 

as factors motivating locals. The local employees have also noted poor accommodation, inadequate rules, 

discrimination, job insecurity, unavailability of leave, and low pay as some of the factors that keep locals 

away from resort employment. 

First meeting of the Sri-Lanka Maldives joint task force technical team was held in Sri Lanka Institute of 

Tourism & Hotel Management, Colombo on 28th March 2008. The possibility of sending tour operators to 

Maldives on an observation tour was discussed in the meeting. The task force was formed in 6 May 2003. 

The main objective of the task force is, recognising the development of economic and cultural relations as 

well as for the imrovement of mutual understanding between their peoples and thereby further strengthening 

the friendly relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. 

A regulation on the operation of Tourist Guest Houses in the Maldives came to effect from 1 January 2008. 

The regulation was compiled and made public during December 2007. 

On 25 November 2007, the revised regulation on Tourist Safari Vessels in the Maldives was released. This 

regulation also came into effect from 1 January 2008. 

The Foreign Tourist Vessels Regulation, which was released on 3 December 2008, came into effect from 

1 January 2008. Under this regulation, Bed Tax will be collected for the first time, from foreign tourist 

vessels. 

Under the population consolidation project, 3 islands were announced for tender for resort development in 

2008. The three islands were, Vakkaru in Baa Atoll, Ehthigili from Raa Atoll and Falhumaafushi of Gaaf Alif 

Atoll. Out of these three islands, Vakkaru and Flahumaafushi lease agreements were signed during the month 

of February 2008. 

50

The Airport Representatives’ Association of Maldives (ARAM), a newly registered association, was 

introduced to industry stakeholders by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. The association was 

formed to represent airport representatives and express their views on industry issues. Some of the pressing 

issues highlighted were customer care and training opportunities for the representatives. ARAM works 

in collaboration with the industry players and the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS), to 

organize training courses for their representatives. 

The Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation, in association 

with Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard and the 

Divers Association of Maldives held a one day seminar on 

Diving and Water Sports Safety during the month of June 

2008. The objectives of this seminar include, discussing 

and identifying safety issues in the dive industry, formulate 

possible amendments to the Maldives Recreational Diving 

Regulation, discuss and identify safety issues related to water 

sports, identify areas that need to be addressed in formulation 

of Water Sports Regulations and identify and strengthen selfregulatory 

aspects related to Dive & Water sports safety. 

Participants of this seminar include, tourist resorts and safari operators in the Maldives. Also among the 

participants were the Live-aboard Association of Maldives (LAM), Maldives Association of Tourism Industry 

(MATI), Surf Association of Maldives (SAM), Life Guard Association of Maldives as well as some of the 

Dive School operators in the Maldives. 

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture conducted a survey in Male’ International Airport, among 

international tourists departing from the Maldives during the month of December 2008 for a period of one 

week. The purpose of this survey was to compile a tourist profile and to understand visitor’s perception of 

the quality of experience in the Maldives. Questionnaires were prepared in English, Italian, German, French, 

Japanese and Chinese. 

51

A number of activities had been carried out by the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, during the year 

2008. Some of the activities include, participating in international tourism fairs and road shows, conducting 

familiarization trips, advertisement through print media as well as broadcast media. 

In order to compile the Maldives Tourism Marketing Plan for 2009, a workshop was held to discuss and 

get ideas and opinions from the tourism industry of Maldives. A total of 88 participants from 54 companies 

participated in this one day workshop held in July 2008. 

The main purpose workshop, which was organized by the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, was to discuss 

marketing activities that could be carried out in the near future to promote Maldives tourism. 

Australasia’s Association of Surfing Professionals organized a world 

class surfing competition in collaboration with Maldives Tourism 

Promotion Board which was held from 9-15 June 2008. This event 

was sponsored by Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, Sri Lankan 

Airlines, Dhiraagu Pvt. ltd, Chaaya Island Dhonveli, Bank of Maldives, 

Inner Maldives Holidays, Atoll Travel and Atoll Adventures. This 

competition was held in Male’ Atoll’s Chaaya Island Dhonveli resort’s 

surfing area at the South West of the island called ‘Pasta Point’. A total 

of 144 surfers participated in the competition. 

Maldives participated as the ‘guest country’ (main sponsor) in the FESPO fair which took place in Zurich, 

Switzerland during the period 31st January to 1st February 2008. Participants of this fair include 10 companies 

working in the tourism sector of the Maldives, tour operators and airline operators. In this fair the Maldives’ 

stand was designed in a way which it portrayed the cultural aspects of the Maldives. Likewise, Maldivian 

handicrafts such as lacquer work and Maldivian meals were made available. In addition to this, a cultural 

dance was performed by ‘Harubee’ dance group. Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, the then Minister of Tourism and 

Civil Aviation was the head of the Maldivian delegation. 

52

The Maldives participated at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, 

ITB which was held in Berlin, Germany from 5-9 March 2008. More 

than 180,000 visitors attended the fair amongst which 108,000 were 

trade visitors. There were over 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries 

exhibited at the fair this year. Maldives was represented at a two storey 

stand custom built to portray an island resort. 155 Representatives 

from 67 companies were present at the Maldives stand. The then 

Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee was the 

head of Maldivian delegation. 

Maldivian Night which is renowned to be one of the most popular events during ITB was held on Wednesday, 

9th March 2008 at the Maritim ProArte Hotel, Berlin. The main idea of the function is for networking and for 

thanking the tourism industry for their continued support. About 650 industry partners attended the function 

this year. 

The Maldives participated in the B.I.T fair which took place from 

21st to 24th February 2008 in Milan, Italy. Parties working in the 

Maldives tourism industry took part in this fair and discussed business 

strategies and transactions. The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Civil 

Aviation Dr. Abdullah Mausoom, who lead the Maldivian delegation 

met with heads of important tour operators and airline operators of 

Italy gave information regarding the activities taking place in order to 

expand the tourism industry of the Maldives. In this fair, information 

about the tourism industry in Maldives was also given to the Italian 

media and travel magazines. 

A cocktail evening was held in the stand on the night of 22nd February. A total of 200 people from parties 

working in the tourism industry from Italy and other countries and also people from the media participated 

in this event. 

The Maldives Promotion Board and 16 parties working in the tourism industry of the Maldives participated 

in Asia’s largest travel exhibition, JATA World Travel Fair which was held in Tokyo, Japan from 14-16 

September 2008. The then Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Abdullah Mausoom was the head of 

the Maldivian delegation. JATA world congress also took place during the fair. The Maldivian ambassador 

for Japan H.E. Abdul Hameed Zakariyya, Island Aviation Services’ Managing Director Mr. Bandhu Ibrahim 

Saleem and people from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board also joined the congress. After the congress, 

a news conference was held with Japan’s media to deliver information about tourism in the Maldives. 

On 19th September 2008, a special evening was held in “Nikko” hotel, Tokyo, Japan. People from the 

Japanese tourism industry and media joined this event. ‘Tropical Paradise Guide 2009” book was launched 

in this evening by Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom. 

53

The World Travel Market (WTM) is the largest travel fair held in United 

Kingdom, and Maldives exhibited at the fair which was held from 10th 

to 13th November 2008 in London. The Maldives Tourism Promotion 

Board along with 70 companies working in the tourism industry of the 

Maldives participated in this event. This fair which was targeted for 

people in the international tourism industry received 50000 visitors. 

Information about the Maldivian tourism industry and the action being 

taken to further develop the industry were given to the media. A video 

commercial of Maldives was shown in the fair’s main stage and Main Boulevard’s wall. The stand design 

of the stand showed the developments in Maldives tourism. Comments and opinions of the visitors were 

collated regarding the new stand design. 

Apart from the stated fairs, Maldives also participated in the following fairs. 

NAME OF THE FAIR CITY, COUNTRY DATE 

Vakantiebeurs, Utrecht, Netherlands 8-13 Jan 2008 

Reiseliv, Oslo, Norway 10-13 Jan 2008 

Ferien Messe Vienna, Austria 17-20 Jan 2008 

Matca Finland 17-20 Jan 2008 

The Holiday & Travel Show Belfast, Ireland 18-20 Jan 2008 

Boot Dusseldorf, Germany 19-27 Jan 2008 

B.T.L Lisbon, Portugal 21-25 Jan 2008 

Fitur Madrid, Spain 28 Jan - 1 Feb 2008 

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi, UAE 5-8 Feb 2008 

Holiday World Paraguay, Czech Republic 14-17 Feb 2008 

C.B.R Munich, Germany 14-18 Feb 2008 

The New York Times Travel Show New York, USA 29 Feb - 2 Mar 2008 

LIDS London, UK 8-9 Mar 2008 

Globe Rome, Italy 13-15 Mar 2008 

Maps Paris, France 13-17 Mar 2008 

MITT Moscow, Russia 19-22 Mar 2008 

Marine Dive Fair Tokyo, Japan 4-6 Apr 2008 

Emirates Holiday World Dubai., UAE 2-4 May 2008 

Arabian Travel Market Dubai., UAE 6-9 May 2008 

Korea World Travel Fair Seoul, South Korea 5-8 June 2008 

I.T.E Hong Kong 12-15 June 2008 

Asia Luxury Travel Market Shanghai, China 16-19 June 2008 

Getaway Show Johannesburg, South Africa 29-31 Aug 2008 

Top Resa Deauville, France 16-19 Sep 2008 

I.T.B Asia Singapore 22-24 Oct 2008 

T.T.G Rimini, Italy 24-26 Oct 2008 

C.I.T.M Shanghai, China 20-23 Nov 2008 

I.L.T.M Cannes, France 3-6 Dec 2008 

54

The Maldives has been receiving international recognitions, awards and honors by international travel 

magazines and other travel related agencies. In the year 2008, the destination received four major international 

awards. Following are the details. 

The Maldives won the best island destination award for 2008 chosen by UK’s travel trade magazine Conde 

Nast Traveler. Conde Nast Traveler magazine is one of the fastest selling magazines in the UK with a 

circulation of over 85,000. 

The Maldives was chosen as the Ultra Award’s Best Holiday Destination World Wide by a famous daily 

magazine in the UK called The Daily Telegraph’s travel edition “Ultra Travel”. The Maldives was chosen 

as the best destination by competing with world famous destinations such as Australia, South Africa, New 

Zealand and Thailand. 

The Maldives won the Best Tourism Publicity Award in the Korea World Travel Fair, which was held in 

Seoul, South Korea in June 2008. 

At the World Travel Awards, the Maldives won Indian Oceans Leading Destination award from the Asia and 

Indian Ocean region. The ceremony was held at Shanghai, China in June 2008. 

The Maldives won World’s number one Long Haul Destination Award 2007, chosen by the world famous 

tour operator, Kouni Travels. 

55

Explanatory notes and definitions in this publication are used as per United Nation’s World Tourism Organization’s 

(UNWTO) recommendations. However, some of the terminologies are specific to the use of data provided in this 

publication itself. 

Following are some of the UNWTO definitions. 

Tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not 

more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes. 

International visitor refers to any person traveling to a country other than the one in which he/she has his/her usual 

residence, but outside his/her usual environment, for less than 12 consecutive months and whose main purpose of trip is 

other than the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited. 

Tourist (overnight visitor) is a visitor who stays at least one night in a collective or private accommodation in the 

country visited. 

Nationality of a visitor is that of the government issuing his/her passport or other identification document, even if he/ 

she normally resides in another country. 

Tourist accommodation refers to any facility that regularly or occasionally provides overnight accommodation for 

tourists. 

Occupancy rate refers to the proportion of the rooms or bed-places in a collective tourism establishment that is occupied 

over some period of time, such as night, month or year. 

Duration of stay refers to the time spent during a visit measured from the stand point of the receiving country or 

place. 

Tourism receipts are defined as expenditures of international inbound visitors including their payments to national 

carriers for international transport. They also include any other prepayments or payments afterwards made for good and 

services received in the destination country. 

Apart from the above UNWTO definitions, the following definitions from the Maldives Tourism Act (Law No. 2/99) are 

adopted for this publication. 

Tourist resort refers to an island or a designated area of an island that has been developed to accommodate tourists and 

to provide board and lodging facilities for them. 

Tourist hotel refers to an establishment, other than a tourist resort or a tourist guesthouse, that has been developed to 

provide board and lodging or [only] lodging for tourists for a payment decided at a certain rate per day of stay. 

Tourist guesthouse refers to an establishment, other than a tourist hotel, that has been developed, in compliance with 

standards determined by the Ministry of Tourism, to provide board and lodging or [only] lodging for tourists for a 

payment decided at a certain rate per day of stay. 

Tourist vessel (safari vessel) refers to seagoing vessel that has been developed, in compliance with standards determined 

by the Ministry of Tourism, to provide board and lodging for tourists for a payment decided at a certain rate per day of 

stay on board such vessel. 

Marina refers to harbors developed for anchoring yachts and such vessels and to provide various services to those 

vessels


First Floor, Ghazee Building, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male’ 20094, Republic of Maldives 

Tel: +960 332 3224, Fax: +960 332 2512 

Email: info@maldivestourism.gov.mv, Website: http://www.tourism.gov.mv 

ISBN 99915-95-45-7

yearbook 2009.indd - Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture

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