Wildlife tourism can boost economies while supporting conservation efforts. Manta ray watching tourism (MRWT) has generated substantial economic benefits, leading to stronger protective laws for these threatened species in a dozen countries. Understanding the contribution of this flagship species to an island nation is crucial for the industry’s long-term sustainability. A flourishing tourism industry relies on the quality of the experience and ongoing national support. The Maldives hosts the largest reported MRWT industry globally, which has grown since the last assessment in 20081. However, the current sustainability, community benefits, and reliance on this revenue source remain undetermined.
This study found that the main motivations for tourists visiting the Maldives is the “underwater beauty” (55%) and “manta ray, whale shark, and tiger shark tourism” (22%). We also revealed that MRWT is a major contributor to the Maldivian economy. The half a million customers generated an estimated USD$226 million in direct economic revenue in 2021, with USD$63.3 million directly benefiting tour-operators. Additional economic benefits include annual tax, service charges, staff salaries, and marine park management.
Our findings highlight the importance of safeguarding manta ray populations, not only for their intrinsic value but also for their significant contribution to local economies and livelihoods.