Indian Ocean Hospitality

Written by Manam Iqbal • March 2011

The country started as one of the world’s poorest nations in 1965. Maldives has come a long way today and is only the third country to graduate from the United Nations Least Developed Countries on January 1, 2011, after Botswana and Cape Verde, with its per capita income rising to approximately U.S.$ 5000 in 2010.

Overcoming practical impediments to development such as lack of land and labor resources, Maldives has made full use of its natural assets of year-round sunshine, unsullied beaches and a vibrant under-water life as main attractions to allure tourists.

Ibn Batuta, the famous 14th-century Moroccan traveler, called the Maldives “one of the wonders of the world” pointing to its unique geographical location and landscape.

After the economic boom which established Macau as the gambling capital of Asia other small nations initiated development of their tourism sectors for sustainable development, Maldives is one of them, considering that global tourism has proved to be one of the most resilient industries, growing at a pace of 8.4% annually, even during times of global crises like the economic crunch, exorbitant oil prices and even September 11 attacks.
The first resort in Maldives opened in Male in 1972 at a time when the country was virtually unknown to the rest of the world with under-developed telecommunications and practical inaccessibility for most people as no direct flights were available to this enthralling and exotic place.

Over the years, tourism has become a lucrative business in the country as international giants like the Shangri-La Group of Hong Kong and ONYX Hospitality Group of Thailand are investing in the industry. World-class hospitality services are offered and breath-taking human creativity manifests itself in many structures like the world’s first All Glass under-water restaurant Ithaa, meaning ‘pearl’ in Dhivehi which brings diners at one with the acrylic and dazzling under-water world.
Despite the fast-paced development in the sector which contributes to approximately 70% of the GDP, Maldivians make a mere 7% of workforce in the hospitality industry whereas highly skilled jobs in the sector are handled by expatriates which are also highly paid.

Apart from the lack of skilled labor, cultural apprehensions and xenophobia also have a role to play in this scenario as Maldives being a Muslim-majority country has strict adherence to Islamic mores and principles. In their traditional societal setup, it is considered inappropriate for locals to mix too much with foreigners for fear of transfer of values. The inhibition may be gauged from the fact that students are usually barred from visiting hotels and resorts unless with guardians or parents.

Today Maldives is cited as an example for Asian Pacific states to develop on the same lines and known as a country which acquired sustainable growth through the development of world-class resorts which scoop up international awards more often than not.

“Thanks to tourism development”, Bob Blake, the US Ambassador to the Maldives says, “the Maldives has gone from being South Asia’s poorest country to its richest in just one generation.”

Each year Maldives receives approximately 500,000 tourists, a number exceeding its total population. However, environmental vulnerability has been one of the prime concerns for this fascinating archipelago as the azure and crystalline waters which render the place paradisiacal, also threaten to submerge it, Global Warming being the reason.

The hospitality industry has indeed become a touchstone internationally for style and standard of service which is one of the major reasons for booming growth in the tourism sector. Despite the small island paradox of Maldives i.e. relative prosperity vs. extreme vulnerability, the country has battled its weaknesses and prudent government policies have made the best out of its scenic splendors to bring it at a position where it can keep its head high in this extremely competitive world.