Every month we invite respected voices from across the industry to weigh in on the themes shaping hospitality, travel, and the Maldivian experience.
December
2025
Experts
Sharing perspectives
Ahmed
Blue Horizon
Abdul
SME & Entrepreneurs Federation of Maldives (SEFM)
December 2025
Managing Director
Blue Horizon
Frankly speaking, our imported skilled labour, infrastructure and bed capacity need is not 2.3 million but 3.2 million tourists per year so that we do not close during low season.
President
SME & Entrepreneurs Federation of Maldives (SEFM)
Tourism growth in the Maldives must be assessed not only by visitor numbers, but by its fairness and long-term legitimacy.
The country has the capacity to absorb higher arrivals due to strong air connectivity and a mature resort sector. However, sustainable expansion requires deliberate investment in Maldivian skills, reliable utilities, efficient transport logistics, environmental protection, and service quality.
Tourism policy must ensure clear and measurable benefits for island communities, including local employment, skills development, higher household incomes, improved ferry and airport connectivity, and support for local businesses in fisheries, transport, food supply, guesthouses, and crafts.
Where tourism development has reduced access to land, lagoons, fishing grounds, or affordability, justification alone is insufficient. Structured compensation and livelihood restoration must form part of tourism governance to maintain social trust and sustaina
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