Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is marking its third annual Manta Month this September, engaging guests, staff, and the local community in manta ray encounters, education, and marine conservation. This event coincides with recent research published in PLOS ONE, which underscores the economic significance of manta rays in the Maldives. The study reveals that manta ray tourism generated $227.3 million in 2021, contributing 2.6% to the national GDP, with an estimated annual economic benefit exceeding $311 million.
The Maldives, home to the world's largest known population of reef manta rays, sees these creatures contribute an estimated $8.6 billion in tourism revenue over their lifetimes.
Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, emphasised the importance of these findings, stating, “A living manta ray is incredibly valuable, not just environmentally, but to communities, tourism and the Maldives as a whole.”
Kandooma's location in South Malé Atoll is near a significant manta aggregation area, making it ideal for observing these creatures. The resort's Manta Month programme includes educational activities, guided excursions, and conservation efforts, such as reef and island clean-ups. Additionally, the sale of manta pendants during the event will raise funds for the Manta Trust, supporting ongoing research and conservation initiatives.
As the resort transitions to Kandooma Maldives under HPL Hotels & Resorts on 1 October 2026, it continues to champion marine conservation, aligning with its Green Globe Certification. Manta Month aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of manta rays, fostering a commitment to their protection.
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