According to CrescentRating, the Republic of Maldives received over 27,000 Muslim visitors in 2004. By 2013, this number drastically increased to 73,000 and it is increasingly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
'Given that the Maldives is predominantly a Muslim country, needs of halal travellers have always remained a top priority for us,' Ibrahim Asim, director, the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation tells TTN. Around 98.4 per cent of the island country’s population is made up of Muslims, ensuring the wide availability of mosques and halal food at all inhabited islands. It has hundreds of mosques, about one-third of which even have separate facilities for women. The Grand Friday Mosque of Male, housed in The Islamic Centre, is considered to be the main mosque in Maldives.A little-known fact is that Arabic has historically been the prime language of administration in the Maldives, instead of the Persian and Urdu languages used in the nearby Muslim states. The Middle East remains one of emerging markets for the Maldives with a total share of 2.9 per cent or 5,576 tourist arrivals from January to February 2015, an increase of 14.7 per cent compared to same period in 2014. 'The Maldivian economy is heavily based on tourism revenue. In 2013, tourism receipts accounted for $4,348, which is equivalent to 38 per cent of the total revenue generated by the government,' Ibrahim Asim, director, the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation tells TTN. Last year, the tropical Indian Ocean nation received a total of 37,201 tourists from the Middle East, registering a 16 per cent increase compared to 2013. Saudi Arabia is still on top position, bringing 12,405 visitors to the Maldives in 2014, other GCC countries are also emerging as potential expanding markets including the UAE with 7,007 visitors and Kuwait with 5,248 visitors. Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Jordan produced 10,591 visitors to the Maldives. 'To attract more Muslim travellers, we are working very closely with our hotel partners to ensure that the hotels have availability of halal cuisine along with Muslim-friendly accommodations,' says Asim.In the Maldives, Muslims find the facilities and privacy they require at numerous resorts. For instance, it is prohibited by the law to serve any alcohol, pork or non-halal products at all inhabited islands of Maldives. Most resorts are licensed, of course, and serve these products at a steep mark-up. The inhabited islands are home to more than 200 establishments that offer halal products, and travellers are advised to maintain a modest dress code that is in accordance with the Islamic culture of Maldives.Most resorts are located on different islands and can only be reached via boat or sea plane. The resorts offer secluded villas, some even offer private beaches and pools that are ideal for Muslim women and families. 'We are also working closely with our industry partners to create a calendar of events that celebrates events such as Ramadan, Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr,' says Asim. 'Traditionally, the Maldives has been a premium destination for honeymoon travellers. Our strategy is now to focus on making the Maldives a more affordable destination.'Maldives Tourism, together with Maldives Marketing & PR Promotion will launch its new campaign ‘Visit Maldives Year 2016’ coinciding Maldives’ 50th anniversary of independence. The Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign aims to attract 1.5 million visitors next year, with a significant increase in tourism receipts.************************************************************************************************************************************
Autumn discountsEnjoy 30 per cent off room rates at the five-star Hideaway Beach Maldives Resort & Spa until December 20 this year. From November 1, room rates will also include return seaplane transfers and half board. Two children under the age of 12 can stay for free and enjoy free transfers as well. For instance, rates for a deluxe water villa are $997 per night, including all taxes, breakfast, dinner and seaplane transfers for two adults and two children under 12. The resort is located a 75-minute seaplane flight from the capital city, Malé.
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi located on Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, is offering guests travelling from the Middle East a 30 per cent discount for stays until end-November, when a minimum of three nights is booked. For guests staying a minimum of four nights and above, the 30 per cent off autumn offer comes with extra nights. Guests staying for seven nights need pay only for five.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is also reaching out to Middle East travellers with its Iconic Indian Ocean Experience package. Stay a minimum of four nights and maximum six nights and save 25 per cent on the best available rate. Package includes daily buffet breakfast and dinner in Atoll Market, with rates starting from $787 per room per night. Book by December 19 with stays before December 25 this year.