When tourism came to the Maldives
Italian travel agent George Corbin brought the first tourists to the Maldives in February 1972.
In 1972 the first tourists arrived in the Maldives.
They stayed in humble lodgings in three houses, looked after by young Maldivians including Ahmed Naseem, Mohamed Umar Maniku and their friends.
Perfect for sunbathing, swimming and fishing. Tourists loved it.
Italian travel agent George Corbin promised to bring more travellers if they had a place to stay.
On 3 October 1972, the first hotel resort called Kurumba opened, changing the islands forever.
Now, more than 1.5 million visitors enjoy the Maldives every year.
Ahmed Naseem, one of the pioneers of the industry, shares his memories with Nikola Bartosova.
(Photo: Kurumba in the 1970s. Credit: Kurumba)
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Clip
-
![]()
When tourism came to the Maldives
Duration: 01:52
Broadcasts
- Thu 6 Jul 2023 07:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
- Thu 6 Jul 2023 11:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
- Thu 6 Jul 2023 17:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Thu 6 Jul 2023 21:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Fri 7 Jul 2023 02:50GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
Podcast
-
![]()
Witness History
History as told by the people who were there
