By This year’s Eid holidays saw a remarkable increase in domestic travel, with thousands of Maldivians visiting islands across the country to celebrate with family, enjoy local festivities, and experience the natural beauty of the Maldives. The trend has sparked renewed calls for the government and private sector to invest more in promoting domestic tourism.
Many guesthouses offered special room rates and packages for locals, making accommodation and services more affordable. In addition, the expansion of the public ferry system allowed for cheap and easy travel from one island to another, helping connect communities across the Maldives. Domestic airlines, including Maldivian, also offered double discounts and increased the number of flights to cater to the demand.
Cultural activities played a major role in attracting domestic tourists. Across many islands, traditional Eid celebrations were held, including Bodu Kunu displays, Boduberu performances, and other cultural shows. These events created vibrant atmospheres, drawing large crowds of both locals and visitors eager to reconnect with Maldivian heritage and community spirit.
“People are not just traveling to relax — they are coming to be part of something familiar and special,” said one guesthouse owner in the south. “The cultural events bring people together, and that’s something we should be encouraging even more.”
To build on this momentum, stakeholders are calling for more organized activities in rural areas, especially during holiday periods. A special domestic tourism campaign targeting locals could further boost interest and create strong internal cash flow systems, benefiting island economies.
With the right support, domestic tourism can become a sustainable pillar of the national economy, offering enriching experiences for locals while empowering communities across the country.
Note: Cover Photo by: PHOTO MALDIVES (GEMANAFUSHI)