President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu highlighted the significance of maintaining peaceful and indigenous values to ensure the continued success of tourism in the Maldives. In a message shared on social media to mark National Tourism Day, President Muizzu underscored that the foundation of the nation’s tourism industry is built on friendship, kindness, peace, and security.
“Tourism in the Maldives thrives on the friendly and peaceful nature of our people,” the President stated. “To sustain this vital industry, it is essential that we continue to uphold these values.”
National Tourism Day, celebrated annually on October 3, commemorates the establishment of tourism in the Maldives, dating back to the opening of the country’s first resort, Kurumba Island Resort, in 1972. This milestone marked the beginning of the Maldives’ transformation into one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations.
The origins of Maldivian tourism trace back to the efforts of George Corbin, an Italian travel agent, who was searching for an undiscovered island destination for his clients. Upon visiting the Maldivian embassy in Colombo, Corbin met Ahmed ‘Kerafa’ Naseem, then a junior employee at the embassy. Their collaboration led to the first group of international journalists and photographers arriving in the Maldives to showcase its potential as a tourist destination.
This partnership proved to be a pivotal moment for the Maldives, launching its global reputation as a pristine island escape. Over five decades later, the tourism industry continues to be a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, with the values of peace, kindness, and security at its heart, as reaffirmed by President Muizzu.
As the Maldives celebrates National Tourism Day, these reflections serve as a reminder of the core principles that have guided the nation’s tourism success from its humble beginnings.
