The Government of Maldives has announced plans to establish dedicated tourist information centres on inhabited islands that operate more than 50 tourist beds, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the country’s growing local tourism sector. The initiative was announced by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, during a press conference held by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
The proposed information centres will be developed in collaboration with island councils and are intended to function as central points where visitors can access important information about the island, its facilities, and local customs. According to the Minister, the centres will help tourists better understand community norms and cultural practices while also providing practical support to resolve issues they may encounter during their stay. The centres are also expected to support stronger engagement between local communities and visitors, contributing to a more structured and sustainable local tourism environment.
Minister Thoriq Ibrahim noted that the centres will play an important role in guiding visitors who choose to stay on inhabited islands, which have become an increasingly popular segment of Maldives’ tourism offering. By providing accessible guidance and assistance, the centres aim to help visitors navigate local communities respectfully, adhere to cultural and social expectations, and easily find solutions to any concerns that may arise during their visit. The initiative is also intended to support local councils and guesthouse operators in maintaining a balanced tourism environment that benefits both residents and visitors.
The announcement comes at a time when Maldives continues to experience steady growth in tourism investment and infrastructure development. Minister Thoriq highlighted that 168 tourism establishments are currently under development across the country, reflecting strong investor confidence in the sector. Among these projects, seven new resorts are scheduled to open within the year, adding more than 10,000 tourist beds to the nation’s accommodation capacity. These developments are expected to further strengthen the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations, known for its natural beauty, luxury hospitality, and expanding range of travel experiences.
The Maldives remains globally recognised for its exceptional resort experiences, offering travellers a combination of pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class hospitality services. Resorts across the archipelago continue to attract visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure, with offerings that include luxury overwater villas, marine exploration, wellness retreats, and curated cultural experiences. The continued expansion of resort capacity alongside the growth of community-based tourism reflects a broader strategy to diversify tourism offerings while preserving the country’s unique environmental and cultural heritage.
Insights from a nationwide visitor survey conducted last year further highlight the positive outlook for the sector. The survey, which was the first comprehensive national assessment of tourist experiences since 2019, revealed that approximately 80 percent of visitors expressed high satisfaction with their stay in the Maldives. In addition, more than 90 percent of respondents indicated a strong intention to return, underscoring the enduring appeal of the destination among international travellers.
Based on the survey findings, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment is prioritising improvements in international flight connectivity and the domestic transportation network. Strengthening these connections is expected to allow visitors easier access to a wider range of island destinations, including both resort islands and inhabited islands offering guesthouse accommodation and community-based experiences.
To better understand the dynamics of local tourism and identify opportunities for improvement, the Ministry also carried out extensive fieldwork across five islands located in Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, and Alifu Dhaalu Atolls. The research involved consultations with guesthouse operators, local residents, and tourists currently visiting the islands. The findings from these engagements are being compiled into a comprehensive report that will guide future tourism policies and development strategies aimed at strengthening the sustainability and quality of local tourism across the Maldives.
With tourism continuing to serve as the backbone of the Maldivian economy, the establishment of tourist information centres and the ongoing expansion of tourism infrastructure reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing visitor satisfaction, supporting island communities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of the world’s most distinctive island destinations.
advertisment
advertisment
