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The Beginning of Maldives Tourism Industry – History of the First Resort, Kurumba Maldives

Aerial view of kurumba maldives
The Maldives tourism industry started with the first resort, Kurumba Maldives' opening in 1972. Here's a brief history of the resort.

There was a time a tourism industry did not exist in the Maldives. Back then, the Maldives was inhabited only by fisherfolk and remained unknown to the outside world. It all started with the first resort in the Maldives, Kurumba Maldives’ opening in 1972.

Beginning of the Maldives’ Tourism Industry

Tourism started with the passion and determination of Kurumba’s young Maldivian founders. The very beginning was a meeting in Colombo between George Corbin, an Italian travel agent, and Ahmed Naseem. Ahmed Naseem was then a junior with the Maldives Embassy who later became the Foreign Minister of Maldives. Corbin was looking for pristine islands where he could bring Italians to swim and hunt fish. On his first visit to the Maldives, it was love at first sight.

In February 1972, Corbin brought the first tourists to the Maldives. The first arrivals were mainly journalists and photographers. Likewise, the tourists were accommodated in three houses in Malé. Furthermore, they were looked after by Mohamed Umar Maniku (Now Universal Enterprises’ Chairman) and his friends, including Hussain Afeef, who is currently the successful owner/operator of several resorts in the Maldives.

Kurumba – The first resort in the Maldives

Corbin vowed to bring more tourists if Maniku, Naseem, and Afeef could find tourists somewhere to stay. Thus, Kurumba was born. Driven and inspired with enthusiasm Maniku and Afeef linked up with the leaseholder of Vihamanaafushi. Vihamanaafushi was within close proximity to the airstrip and the capital. Access to the island back then was only by sailing dhoni or open boat with an outboard motor.

Image: Kurumba Maldives

M U Maniku worked as an agriculture officer. After finishing his work each day at 1.30 pm, he spent his time developing Vihamanaafushi. And with financial help from Corbin and his own resources, Maniku and his young Maldivian friends built 30 rooms in blocks of three, using coral stone for walls, coconut timber, and palm thatch for roofs at the island. The rooms had a brackish water shower and toilet, basic furniture, and access to the beach. Meanwhile, meals were taken in a canteen or as barbecues on the beach.

The island was the first resort in the Maldives and came to be known as Kurumba Village. Meanwhile, Afeef became the manager of the resort. Kurumba Village opened on Tuesday 3 October 1972 and remained fully booked for the rest of the year. In its humble origins, Kurumba welcomed 60 guests a month.

Since then, Kurumba became a resort that welcomes 14,000 guests. The resort went from a handful of the founding friends to a staff of 450. In 2003, Kurumba underwent a complete transformation yet again. However, now meeting the demands of the 21st century. The result was a world-class resort with 180 rooms, including the Royal Residence, Presidential Suites, Pool Villas, Family Villas, and beach and garden superior rooms. Today the resort has matured into the Grand Hotel of the Maldives, setting the benchmark for hospitality in the region, and in the tropics at large.

This article is sourced from www.kurumba.com/maldives-history
Feature image by kurumba Maldives
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Experience a Dreamy Winter Wonderland at Bandos Maldives!

Bandos Maldives Festive celebrations

Step into a magical “Winter Wonderland” at Bandos Maldives this holiday season! From 20 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, the resort invites you to a festive celebration that blends the warmth of the Maldives with the enchantment of winter, creating an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.

The festivities begin on 20 December 2024 with a refreshing sunrise yoga session to awaken your senses. Afterward, dive into a day of family-friendly activities, including the cheerful “Snowflake Stretch” and the fun-filled “Little Christmas Tree” decorating. What’s more, the highlight of the day? The stunning “Jingle Bells in Wonderland” Christmas tree lighting. Which will fill the air with holiday cheer and sparkle.

Throughout the season, the excitement continues to build at Bandos Maldives. Get ready to join the thrilling “Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt” or set sail on “Santa’s Magical Cruise.” Additionally, the resort offers a variety of themed workshops, live performances, and festive games that will keep everyone entertained. Not to mention, indulge in luxurious seafood galas and frosty foam fiestas that promise to make your holiday even more special.

As the celebrations unfold, the magic grows stronger. On top of that, the grand finale arrives with the magnificent “Wonderland Gala” dinner. Followed by an electrifying New Year’s Eve countdown party. Dance to live music, soak in the festive atmosphere, and watch a spectacular fireworks show as you welcome the new year in style.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Bandos Maldives has plenty to offer. Unwind with yoga, aqua-robics, and soothing massages. Or get energized with exciting activities. Furthermore, stay active with tennis, beach volleyball, and vibrant “DJ Wonderland” nights that keep the fun going well into the night.

Bandos Maldives invites you to experience the true magic of the holiday season. Indeed, let the stunning beauty of the Maldives, the festive charm, and the joyful activities create a winter wonderland like no other. This holiday, make every moment sparkle and create memories to last a lifetime!

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