GCC Traveler Trends to the Maldives in 2023 and Forecasts for 2024: Pulse Hotels & Resorts

Leading and progressive Maldivian hospitality development business Pulse Hotels & properties has seen a new trend among GCC travelers in 2023: they are choosing to stay longer at their Maldives properties, Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives, and The Nautilus Maldives. According to the tenets of "slow travel," this movement enables visitors to take longer trips and develop a close bond with their location. In 2024, growth is expected to continue.

The GCC has seen a notable upsurge in the popularity of solo travel, with the Pulse Hotels & Resorts team observing a notable increase in demand in 2023. According to industry analysts, in 2024, solo travelers will continue to drive this trend, looking for more immersive and genuine travel experiences.

Pulse Hotels & Resorts debuted Nova Maldives in 2022 with a modern take on all-inclusive with a dynamic "community" concept, aimed to Millennials and lone travelers, with the goal of aligning its most recent resort projects with global travel trends. In the meanwhile, the ultra-luxurious private island resort offers unscripted cuisine and experiences where "time stands still." The Nautilus and the wide variety of activities available at the mega-resort Kandima make for leisurely paces.

"One of the best things about slow travel is that it allows a guest to have time for all sorts of experiences, that make them feel like they are a part of a destination," said Althaf Mohamed Ali, COO of Pulse Hotels & Resorts. We make sure that guests are introduced to Holhuashi, a local custom, and get a taste of the local culture, customs, and cuisine when they arrive at Nova, the newest resort in the Maldives, as an example of how we are adjusting to this trend. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, stimulating experiences that go above and beyond what is typically offered to tourists at all of our resorts.

"Solo travelers may have a variety of objectives, such as the desire for speed, excitement, rest, renewal, or the stunning maritime scenery. In order to meet the needs of our visitors, our resorts' offers correspond with each of these activities. This includes the chance for some "me" time at The Nautilus, the most bespoke private island experience in the Maldives, where guests can create a world of their own making with free-spirited experiences tailored to their every whim and enjoy fine dining anytime, anywhere. Other activities include group exercise or community dining at Nova to foster connections between solo travelers.

Travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are increasingly choosing the Maldives as their destination of choice when they want to unwind and connect with nature on a deeper level. The Nautilus' wellness offerings, like its underwater meditation and moonlight breathwork sessions, are particularly well-liked by these travelers. In the pure backdrop of the stunning Maldives, these experiences provide people a chance to re-establish a connection with both nature and oneself.

As they continue to be one of the top source markets for the destination at an easy four-hour flight time, GCC travelers are leading the way in embracing a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to exploring the Maldives. "This shift towards slow and solo travel experiences represents a significant evolution in travel preferences," Althaf Mohamed Ali continued.