EM ES & Beyond

Today, the developments in tourism are exciting and forward looking than it was anytime in the history of this industry. Predictions are more advanced and born chilling. Lifestyle is heading to its peak and experts predict that, by 2012 giant cruise ships with apartments owned by passengers will be sailing from one luxury destination to another. There are predictions of eco-tourists visiting the Arctic, Antarctic and other pristine destinations by hydrogen-powered jets that emit only water. There are also indications that by 2030, space elevators, which will climb an enormous cable made of nanotubes, will make tourism routine. The story goes on… Continue reading »

The recent move by the MTPB, initiating a photography contest under the theme ”think tourism” is undoubtedly an opportunity for creative Maldivians to display their talent of photography . This is what they call the ‘’sunny side in frames”an innovative concept to store the addicting beauty of the Maldives.

In fact the trend of photography is booming and popular among the youth of this country. Recently a friend of mine opened his blog calling it ”Maldives in still mode” storing his perception of what this paradise is all about. Like him so many youth has their own accounts to display the fascinating beauty of this island paradise. Continue reading »

Over the years tourism surpasses the rest and became the most income earner for this tiny nation. Tourism, with its multiplier effect within the economy undoubtedly is the blue-chip industry in this island nation. Tourism activities have been concentrated mainly to the central atolls till the government completely changed its attitude by spreading it to the entire country in recent times. Critics argue that this move by the government is politically motivated and the move is without proper planning and wisdom. It is questionable whether this radical expansion could end up loosing its position and faith in the traditional markets. It is evident that supporting infrastructure has not been given much emphasis and such a paradigm shift in future will create more bottle-necks if perceived in an operational context.

In 2004, Maldives celebrated its 600000th visitor for the first time in the history. And this unique destination holds its reputation for being a nation that promotes its values on sustainable tourism development practices. The “one island one resort” concept has been a unique business model and many consider this as a good example of avoiding any mass that may spoil the premium label the country has achieved. However, with the current expansion policy in taking tourism to the doorsteps of communities by developing hotels and resorts in inhabited islands could as many argue, imperil the values of the inhabitants. Continue reading »

The uniqueness of Maldives often described in these simple figures; i.e. 99% Sea + 1% land = 100% Maldives. This is not a mathematical formula or physics by nature but it could perhaps be a mental painkiller that is dosed to thousands of stressed minds who dare to spend thousands of dollars to be cured at least once in their life time. If meditation heals and rejuvenate stress than, a 100% MalDIVES could be a healthy yet a chemical free cure for people who’s life is filled with daily pressure of life.. That’s why many people travel to this heaven on earth destination to just be there doing absolutely nothing. For instance, in most advertising materials, Maldives is referred as, “Holidaying in Maldives - An art of doing nothing’. The beauty is simply a miracle that is enjoyed by a large number of visitors, at least twice the population of the country. The white sandy beaches, the crystal clear lagoons with perfect sunshine throughout the year whilst diving through the purity of underwater world is nothing less than a god’s own prescription to cure ‘body, mind and soul’. A blessing to earn revenue - worth billions!

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