Maldives Resort Puts Massive Economic Value on Conservation During Third Annual ‘Manta Month’
MALDIVES – As September arrives, the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has launched its third annual “Manta Month,” a dedicated campaign that blends luxury tourism with vital marine education and conservation efforts. The initiative comes at a time when the global significance of these gentle giants has never been clearer, with new data revealing the immense economic impact of protecting the nation’s manta ray population.
A Multibillion-Dollar Reason to Protect
The timing of the resort’s initiative is underscored by landmark research published in PLOS ONE in June 2026. The study highlights the staggering economic footprint of manta-related tourism, estimating it generated US$227.3 million in the Maldives in 2021 alone—representing 2.6% of the country’s total GDP.
Perhaps more compelling is the researchers’ valuation of individual animals. The study estimates the lifetime tourism value of a single reef manta ray at approximately US$2.6 million. Across the entire reef manta population, the cumulative contribution to the Maldivian economy is estimated at a massive US$8.6 billion.
“These numbers put into perspective something we have always believed at Kandooma: a living manta ray is incredibly valuable, not just environmentally, but to communities, tourism, and the Maldives as a whole,” said Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at the resort. “Kandooma’s Manta Month is about helping people understand what is swimming in the waters around us, why these animals are so special, and why protecting them matters.”
A Prime Habitat for Juvenile Mantas
The Maldives hosts the world’s largest known population of reef manta rays. Kandooma’s strategic location in the South Malé Atoll places it in close proximity to a critical aggregation area. According to the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, the waters near the resort serve as a vital nursery for juvenile reef manta rays.
During the Southwest Monsoon, these creatures frequent the Guraidhoo Falhu lagoon, which features a well-documented “cleaning station” at Banana Reef. Research from the Manta Trust indicates that activity in this area peaks between July and November, making September—the heart of the season—the ideal time for the resort’s educational push.
The Challenge of Conservation
Despite their massive presence, manta rays remain highly vulnerable. Dr. Guy Stevens, founder of the Manta Trust, has conducted long-term research indicating that reef mantas have an exceptionally slow reproductive rate, with females not reaching sexual maturity until age 15. This slow maturity means that once populations are threatened by human activity, such as pollution or entanglement in fishing gear, they are slow to recover.
The resort aims to highlight these dangers through the story of “Kandooma,” a manta rescued by the team in August 2023 after becoming ensnared in ghost fishing nets.
Bridging Tourism and Science
Throughout September, the resort’s PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, Kandooma Dive, will lead guest excursions to manta hotspots, combining eco-conscious tourism with scientific observation. Guests learn that, much like human fingerprints, the unique spot patterns on a manta’s underside allow researchers to track individual animals over decades.
The resort’s commitment extends beyond observation. For every manta-themed pendant sold in the resort boutique during September, US$5 is donated directly to the Manta Trust. These funds support ongoing research and the protection of habitats like Guraidhoo Kandu, a Marine Protected Area that has been safeguarded for over 30 years.
“If someone leaves Kandooma knowing more about manta rays, appreciating them a little more, and understanding why protecting them matters, then Manta Month has achieved what we set out to do,” concluded Garrett.
For those looking to experience the beauty of the Maldives while supporting sustainable tourism, information about stays can be found at www.kandooma-maldives.com.
