2008 News Archive - Holidays - Maldives 'looks beyond honeymooners'
24 04 2008
The Maldives, described as "tiny slabs of natural perfection" by one commentator, is looking to extend its welcome beyond the traditional honeymooning brand of tourist.
According to the Independent, the Maldives has now become so popular – among both honeymooners and holidaymakers - that the government has permitted an additional 35 resort islands to open for tourism in the coming the next 25 years.
Currently, out of the 1,196 Maldivian islands, roughly 200 are inhabited and around half this number are seen as "high class" tourist resorts, meaning there is much scope for expansion.
"The Maldives tourist industry ... [is finding] itself reaching out beyond newlyweds in an effort to touch the magical one million visitors a year mark - it's currently about 700,000," the newspaper revealed.
Last month, wedding services provider hitched.co.uk reported that in terms of choosing a honeymoon destination the majority of Britons tend to choose somewhere that is "hot and exotic", such as the Maldives.
Once on holiday in the Maldives, travellers can enjoy a range of activities, from picnics on private islands to dolphin safaris, diving and yoga classes.