Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
A Guesthouse in Maafushi.
K. Maafushi, one of the most developed islands in the Maldives, has seen record-breaking tourist arrivals this year. According to the Maafushi Council, more than 135,000 tourists visited the island between January and September 2024, marking a significant milestone in its tourism sector.
The Maafushi Council expressed pride in the numbers, as the island remains a prominent hotspot for travelers seeking affordable yet authentic Maldivian experiences. The surge in visitors comes as overall tourist arrivals to the Maldives reached 1.5 million so far this year, contributing to the national tourism boom.
The council is optimistic that the number of visitors will continue to rise, with projections of reaching 200,000 tourists by the end of 2024. Looking ahead, local authorities are targeting 300,000 visitors by next year, reflecting Maafushi's increasing popularity.
Many tourists opt to stay at the island’s renowned guesthouses, such as the Carney Hotels and Arena Hotels, which offer a range of budget-friendly accommodations and experiences. The island's close proximity to Malé and its reputation for vibrant guesthouse tourism has made it a key destination for international visitors.
As Maafushi continues to grow as a tourism hub, the island’s local authorities are focusing on enhancing infrastructure and services to accommodate the rising influx of travelers, ensuring sustainable growth in the years to come.