By This year’s Eid celebrations saw a major influx of visitors from the Greater Malé Area to local islands, with many travelers unable to find accommodation due to limited guesthouse capacity. Thaa Atoll’s Kinbidhoo, a popular destination during Eid, faced a full booking situation, turning away several families and groups hoping to join the festivities.
Locals and guesthouse owners in Kinbidhoo confirmed that rooms were booked out weeks in advance. “We had so many calls, even from people arriving on the day itself, but we had to turn them down. There simply weren’t enough rooms,” said a local guesthouse operator.
The rising interest in visiting local islands during Eid highlights a significant opportunity for expanding the country’s local tourism sector. With the cost of traveling abroad increasing and many families preferring to spend Eid in culturally rich, peaceful island settings, the demand for accommodation outside Malé is growing steadily.
“Eid is not just about prayer and food—it’s about community celebration. Tourists and locals alike want to experience authentic Maldivian culture,” said a Kinbidhoo resident. Traditional Eid activities such as Bodu Mas, Maali parades, and Bodu Beru performances are major attractions.
Experts believe that islands like Kinbidhoo can turn this seasonal interest into a sustainable tourism model. “With proper planning and support, local islands could regularly host cultural Eid activities for both domestic and international tourists,” said a tourism consultant.
Local councils and island communities are now being urged to invest in tourism infrastructure and collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism to promote cultural tourism during Eid and other public holidays.
As the Maldives continues to diversify its tourism offerings, Eid could become a key event to boost guesthouse bookings and community income across the islands.