The Maldives, with its blue lagoons and high marine diversity, is re-entering the tourism scene through the adoption of sportfishing. The high popularity of the BurunuBoma Global Sportfishing Tournament 2025 validates the potential of the country to become an international hotspot for sportfishing tourists.
Fishing tourism is experiencing massive expansion globally. The sector was worth approximately $72.5 billion in 2023 and will grow beyond $211 billion in 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 10%. Growth is being driven by the nature-based and experience-based tourism demand as sports anglers pursue environmentally friendly and genuine fishing experiences.
Tourism accounts for some 21% of the GDP of the Maldives. Through the integration of sportfishing as a tourist product, the Maldives has the potential to diversify its appeal and attract the high-expenditure niche market of visitors who enjoy sportfishing. The BurunuBoma competition, with its $25,000 grand prize, has already created international interest, making the Maldives a credible player in the global sportfishing industry.
The BurunuBoma competition emphasized sustainability, adhering to catch-and-release methods and International Game Fish Association (IGFA) guidelines. These actions not only protect the marine biodiversity but also attract nature-friendly tourists. Furthermore, participation of local fishers and native communities in events like these helps promote economic development and cross-cultural exchange.
Even when the future is promising, negative forces such as global warming threaten the marine ecosystems and, by extension, the sportfishing industry. Maldives must invest in adaptation measures that will neutralize such impacts and aid in the sustainability of its marine resource base.
The success of the BurunuBoma Global Sportfishing Tournament signals Maldives’ preparedness to capitalize on the expanding sportfishing tourism sector. By emphasizing sustainability, community involvement, and targeted marketing, Maldives can reel in substantial economic rewards while protecting its bountiful ocean heritage.
Abdulla Ghiyas is the Chairperson of Visit Maldives (MMPRC) and the current President of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO). He also chairs the PATA Maldives Chapter and has served on the PATA Executive Board. In 2018, he was named the PATA Face of the Future, and in 2019, recognized as one of TTG Asia’s 45 Trendsetters. From 2014 to 2018, Ghiyas became the youngest Board Director of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). With over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, he has been featured in leading global media outlets.
