Tourism in the Maldives began in early September 1972 when the first 12 tourists from Italy arrived in the Maldives. The Tour was pioneered by two Maldive entrepreneurs in association with an Italian investor named Mr. George Corbin. They flew to the Maldives via Sri Lanka on a Sri Lankan Air Force plane and were accommodated in three residential houses in Male'. The meals were prepared in different places in Male' and was brought to the guest. During the day they were taken to the uninhabited Islands of Vihamana Fushi now a Five Star Resort Hotel called Kurumba Village and Farukolhufushi now Club Med. Few months later, the same year a second resort was opened on the island of Bandos. Despite just the basic services and facilities, 1,096 tourists came to the Maldives that year.

Tourism development was largely unplanned until 1978 and took place according to individual initiative. To enhance the sustainable development of tourism and integrate the socio economic development of the country, the Government in conjunction with overseas assistance, formulated the Tourism Master Plan in 1983. The Plan set out guidelines for the overall development of tourism, and identified Tourism Zones. The planned development of tourism precludes the potential negative impacts of tourism on the socio economic structure of the country and its environment. In order to realize the full potential of tourism, the Government embarked on strengthening the institutional framework for the development of tourism and introduced appropriate legislation among other measures. In 1979 the Tourism Law was enacted laying down the regulations for the industry. The law required all foreign investments to be registered with the Department of Tourism and Foreign Investment Bureau. In 1982 it became the Department of Tourism. In 1984 the Tourism Advisory Board was created as a consultative body. In 1988 the Ministry of Tourism was formed, bringing the institutional development of tourism to maturity.

During the initial stages, tourism was a highly seasonal industry. Mostly European tourists visited the country during their winter, making the rest of the year the "off season" for the tourist resorts. As the Maldives opened up for international tourism, new markets were tapped, and the seasonal nature of tourism changed. Today, tourists from both the southern and northern hemispheres of the world visit the Maldives and most of the resorts operate year around. Japanese and Taiwanese tourists have increased in number while the North American market remains to be effectively tapped.

Today the Tourism Industry is ready to celebrate it's Silver Jubilee. On the 1st of January, 1997 the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom officially inaugurated the "Visit Maldives Year 1997". In this short period of time the Maldivian Tourism Industry has received international recognition for one of the best and most ideal holiday destination in the World. At present there are 73 Resort Hotels in operation with a capacity of 12,400 beds. On the 10th of January 1997, the Ministry of Tourism announced the names of 14 new prospective islands for the development of Tourist Resorts.

The Maldives has a wide variety of accommodation for the visitors. Choice vary from 80 Resorts, Hotels and Guest Houses in Male', Yachts and Yacht Dhoni's, (a specially converted Maldivian vessel), which are licensed to accommodate visitors. A resort island is a world by itself. Developed on an uninhabited island, each island is just one hotel, exclusively maintained in pristine form and serviced for only a limited number of guests. The untouched white beaches are perfect for relaxation and a healthy tan under the Maldivian sun. Crowned by majestic coconut palms which characterize the Maldives, the vegetation on all islands is quite similar, rings of tropical vegetation adapting to a variety of environments, salt resistant and hardy varieties close to the beach line giving way to shrubs and plants, and more delicate and dense greenery towards the centre.

Along the beach in a typical resort island, Just inside the vegetation line, are small bungalow style rooms, well dispersed for maximum privacy where accommodation is provided. The rooms, though mostly shaded by trees, allow a clear view of the beach, the lagoon and the horizon beyond. They are generally equipped with modern conveniences, with ensuite facilities. Most of the resort islands have at least two restaurants. Some of the larger resorts may offer as many as five different restaurants. Local and continental cuisine is available in addition to exotic buffets and barbecues. Normally the hotel rates quoted are for full board accommodation. In club style resorts and some smaller resort islands this is often preferred. Except in the evening, when wining and dining under the stars may be the choice for most, there is never enough time to exhaust the wonders of the sea. Naturally, most of the activities centre around the water. The reefs around the islands are excellent for diving and snorkeling. Activities such as water skiing and wind surfing may seem strenuous but are exciting. Water sports equipment and facilities are available for hire on all resort islands. There is a fully equipped diving school or a more elaborate water sports centre on most resorts. There is sufficient activity on all resorts which are self contained worlds of their own. Equipment for sports such as lawn tennis, football, volleyball, and indoor games such as billiards, table tennis, chess or darts are usually available free of charge in many of the resort islands.