The Maldives is celebrated around the world for its stunning luxury resorts, where overwater villas float above turquoise lagoons. Alongside this polished image is another equally powerful story, the rise of local-island guesthouses and community tourism. Together, these two worlds form the backbone of Maldivian tourism, but despite their shared importance, they continue to operate too separately.
This lack of connection has real consequences. Opportunities to generate higher visitor spend, uplift communities, and present a stronger national brand are being left untapped
Two Pillars of the Same Destination
Resorts remain dominant in terms of bed capacity, making up close to two-thirds of the market. Guesthouses, however, have quickly grown into a quarter of supply and continue to expand. They provide authentic cultural encounters and spread the benefits of tourism across islands. Yet occupancy rates for guesthouses lag behind resorts, revealing a gap in coordination and shared demand.
The Maldives already has strong institutions serving each pillar. MATI represents resorts, NHGAM and GAM give voice to guesthouses and community-based tourism, MATATO represents travel agents and tour operators, and Visit Maldives Corporation leads international marketing. Each plays an important role, but their efforts have yet to fully converge around a shared vision.
The Case for Unity
The Maldives has something few destinations can offer: the ability to combine two distinct but complementary experiences within a single journey. On one side, world-class luxury and privacy. On the other, island life, culture, and personal connections with communities.
When these stories are told together, the Maldives becomes more than a luxury escape. It becomes a nation where travelers can indulge, explore, and belong. It becomes a destination that appeals not only to honeymooners and high-end travelers, but also to families, explorers, and repeat visitors seeking something new.
Guesthouses gain credibility and visibility. Resorts expand their appeal to guests who want variety. Communities benefit through spending on excursions, food, and services. And the country as a whole strengthens its reputation as both aspirational and inclusive.
When these stories are told together, the Maldives becomes more than a luxury escape. It becomes a nation where travelers can indulge, explore, and belong. It becomes a destination that appeals not only to honeymooners and high-end travelers, but also to families, explorers, and repeat visitors seeking something new.
Guesthouses gain credibility and visibility. Resorts expand their appeal to guests who want variety. Communities benefit through spending on excursions, food, and services. And the country as a whole strengthens its reputation as both aspirational and inclusive.
Telling the Bigger Story
Global travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations that balance indulgence with authenticity. They want more than a postcard; they want to immerse themselves in culture, taste local flavors, and experience the rhythm of daily life.
The Maldives can capture this shift by presenting itself not as a divided market but as a unified one. Luxury resorts and local tourism are not competitors. They are partners in shaping a richer national story. Together, they can create a stronger brand that speaks to a wider audience, extends stays, and spreads benefits more evenly across islands.
Looking Ahead
The future of Maldivian tourism is not about choosing between two paths. It is about blending them into one powerful proposition. Resorts will always be the crown jewel of the industry, but local-island tourism has become the heart that connects visitors to the soul of the Maldives.
A stronger alliance between these two pillars will not only deliver richer experiences for travelers but also ensure that communities across the country share in the success.
One destination, many islands, and one united Maldives..