How Much of Maldives GDP Is Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Maldives, a beautiful island country located in the Indian Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. It is no surprise that tourism has become the main industry of the Maldives. In this article, we will explore how much of Maldives GDP is tourism.

Tourism: The Backbone of Maldives Economy

The Maldives economy heavily relies on tourism. It is the main source of foreign exchange earnings, employment opportunities and contributes to a significant portion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

What Is GDP?

Before we dive into discussing how much of Maldives GDP is contributed by tourism, let’s first understand what GDP means. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) refers to the total value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders during a specified period. It is an essential indicator that helps economists understand how well an economy is performing.

Tourism’s Contribution to Maldives GDP

According to reports by the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism contributed approximately 27% to Maldives’ GDP in 2019. This indicates that almost one-third of the country’s economic output came from tourism alone.

Employment Opportunities

Tourism not only contributes to Maldives’ GDP but also provides employment opportunities for locals. The sector employs over 155,000 people in various roles such as hotel staff, tour guides, and transportation services.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global travel industry, including tourism in Maldives. In 2020, tourist arrivals decreased by over 67%, which resulted in a loss of revenue and employment opportunities for many locals who depended on tourism for their livelihoods.

Government Initiatives

To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, the Maldivian government has taken several initiatives to boost tourism. These include providing financial assistance to tourism-related businesses, implementing safety protocols, and launching a marketing campaign to attract tourists.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tourism is the backbone of Maldives’ economy. It contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and provides employment opportunities for locals. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected the industry, but with government initiatives and global vaccination efforts, there is hope for a swift recovery.

  • Tourism contributed approximately 27% to Maldives’ GDP in 2019.
  • The sector employs over 155,000 people in various roles such as hotel staff, tour guides and transportation services.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global travel industry including tourism in Maldives.