Inside Maldives’ Tourism Industry
When my wife and I planned our December-end 2024 trip from India, we chose the Maldives amidst the backdrop of geopolitical narratives painting the country as anti-India and amid stiff competition from Indian destinations like Goa and Kerala. We initially explored warmer destinations within India, but the soaring costs of flights and hotels prompted us to look elsewhere. Surprisingly, a round-trip to the Maldives costed only $300 per person, making it an enticing option. We booked a 3-night stay, including two nights at Hilton’s 5-star Velassaru resort on a private island, using accumulated Hilton Honors points, and one night at the 3-star h78 hotel in the Hulhumale district of Male.
Before the trip, Hilton Velassaru contacted us to pay an additional $400 for speedboat transfers to and from Male Airport, along with a daily $6/night tax per person. Though this information was missing from the booking page, we decided to pay and move forward with our vacation plans.
On December 25th, we boarded a packed 2-hour-15-minute flight from Mumbai to Male, filled with couples and families.
Velassaru: A Private Island Escape
Upon arriving at Male airport, we were guided to Velassaru’s booth, where staff escorted us to a speedboat. The 30-minute ride offered scenic views of Male city’s skyline and various islands, culminating in a warm welcome at Velassaru. The staff greeted us with garlands made of lilies and the rhythmic sounds of Boduberu drums, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay.
At the reception, we sipped welcome drinks while a staff member explained the resort’s facilities and guidelines. To our delight, we were upgraded to a deluxe villa with a private pool, and got a beautiful Christmas hamper.
Velassaru’s private island, easily traversable in a 20-minute walk, was stunningly beautiful. The resort offered various complimentary and paid activities. Over the next two days, we enjoyed a mix of relaxation and adventure, indulging in a delicious buffet breakfast, deep-sea diving, tennis, a wellness talk, and a morning cruise. A standout event was the “Management Cocktail,” where we mingled with the resort staff and learned about Maldives’ tourism industry.
The HR manager shared fascinating insights, including the policy reserving 45% of jobs for Maldivians. With tourism booming, hiring and retaining staff has become a challenge. Velassaru emphasizes creating a culture of empowerment and fun to retain its employees, contrasting with competitors’ rigid compliance requirements. Additionally, the manager highlighted the complexities of procurement in an archipelago where raw materials often take months to arrive, necessitating meticulous planning.
The cherry on top of our stay was spotting baby dolphins during our speedboat ride back to Male, a magical farewell to Velassaru.
Hulhumale: A Slice of Local Life
Upon reaching Male, the staff from h78 hotel escorted us to a minibus for a short 12-minute ride to the Hulhumale district. The 10-story hotel, though modest compared to Velassaru, was welcoming. Hulhumale, an artificial island connected to Male by a bridge, offered a serene beach and vibrant cafes.
After strolling along the beach, we dined at Naga, an Indian restaurant known for its hearty Hyderabadi meals.
At the hotel, we met Maya, a receptionist from Nepal. Maya’s story offered a glimpse into the challenges faced by migrant workers in the Maldives. She’d moved to Hulhumale a year ago, starting as airport pickup staff before transitioning to her current role. Maya works grueling 12-hour days but dreams of joining a resort like Velassaru for better pay and work-life balance. She candidly shared anecdotes about cultural nuances, such as the strict rule requiring Maldivian couples to present marriage certificates to stay in hotels, and the unreasonable demands of some South Asian guests seeking freebies. Her resilience and ambition left a lasting impression on us.
Reflections
Our Maldives trip concluded with a flight to New Delhi to celebrate New Year’s with family. The juxtaposition of luxury at Velassaru and the grounded charm of Hulhumale painted a vivid picture of the Maldives’ tourism ecosystem. Beyond the idyllic landscapes, the trip offered insights into the hospitality industry’s efforts to balance guest experiences with operational challenges. As we disembarked in Delhi, I reflected on the trip and realized that sometimes, money can indeed buy happiness — if spent on meaningful experiences.