MU Maniku: A legacy that still pulsates

Fifty-three years ago, the Maldives painted a vastly different picture. Our nation's coffers were filled by the humble sale of fish and cowrie shells. The British Pound, alongside the Rufiyaa, came through Addu. Our airport, a rudimentary runway of steel planks, a lifeline for cargo from Sri Lanka. Our GDP, a mere USD 2.5 million. Fast forward to today, and a staggering billion dollars in state revenue tells a story of transformation, a testament to the visionary spirit and tireless dedication of pioneers like Mohamed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), whose efforts laid the groundwork for our thriving tourism industry almost half a century ago.

Even in his youth, MU Maniku possessed an extraordinary foresight. In an era when higher education for Maldivians was a rarity, he harbored a profound desire for knowledge. He pursued an agriculture degree in Pakistan and embarked on a master's, a journey cut short by the outbreak of the Bangladesh War, which called him home before he could achieve his postgraduate certificate.

While abroad, Maniku’s gaze remained fixed on the Maldives, observing its economic struggles in contrast to its neighbors. So, when a UN study declared that the Maldives could not benefit from tourism, Maniku found it an unacceptable conclusion.

“We knew even then that there was so much potential here. We could see that from the comments we heard from foreigners when we showed them this beauty,” he shared in an interview with Haveeru newspaper.

Upon his return from Pakistan, his first government post was as an Agriculture Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, a role that led him to traverse every island in the Maldives. “So I have seen Maldives very well, the way it was in the 1970s and the way it is now,” he reflected in a Raajje TV interview three years ago.

It was within the ministry that fate intervened. Through Ahmed Naseem, then in foreign affairs and later a foreign and health minister, Maniku met George Corbin, an Italian travel agent. This encounter ignited a fervent desire among them to cultivate a tourism industry in the Maldives.

Maniku and Naseem presented the beauty of the Maldives to Corbin, who, in turn, began ushering in the first wave of tourists. Despite the nascent understanding of how to cater to foreign visitors, on February 16, 1972, Italian tourists were housed in three local homes, utterly captivated by our pristine seas and sandy beaches. Their awe quickly translated into widespread advertisement in newspapers and magazines, proclaiming the Maldives as the 'paradise of the world,' and sparking an ever-growing international interest.

At this pivotal time, MU Maniku, Naseem, and Crown Company Chairman Hussain Afeef were pouring their hearts and resources into developing Kurumba Maldives in Vihamanaafushi. The resort, a testament to their unwavering belief, opened its doors in 1972 with thirty rooms, funded entirely by their own pockets.

“We didn't have much, I put what I had, and Naseem put what he had. There was no bank at the time, so there was no loaning either,” Maniku recounted.

“I come here [to Kurumba] after finishing office at 13:30, come and work here. I did mostly F&B, Naseem did construction, Afeef did financing. We used to do everything,” he explained, painting a vivid picture of their relentless dedication.

During the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir, Maniku even endured a period of imprisonment while working on Kurumba Maldives, a consequence, he believed, of the government's scrutiny of their endeavors, despite the prevailing skepticism about tourism's viability in the Maldives. The custody, he suggested, was intricately linked to the growing business.

“And now that you think about it, it's going to be like this. You do understand how the trade competition will be? The people who came to Kurumba were not able to visit any islands either. It was very difficult for us, but I guess, we were meant to be able to do this, with God’s grace,” he mused, reflecting on the immense hurdles they overcame.

Despite the initial formidable challenges, Kurumba Maldives flourished under their tenacious spirit. After Nasir's presidency, Kurumba was brought under government control by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and subsequently opened for bid, a process through which Maniku reacquired it.

Under the banner of Universal Enterprises, now one of the Maldives' largest conglomerates, he transformed Kurumba into a five-star haven, incorporating the most cutting-edge facilities of the era and attracting tourists from every corner of the globe.

“After improving Kurumba, the standard of Maldives was set, that Maldives is not a measly place,” Maniku proudly declared.

From that moment, the influx of tourists to the Maldives soared. What began as journeys via Sri Lanka soon evolved into direct flights from Europe, as visitors embraced the distinctive allure of the 'One Island, One Resort' concept, cementing the nation's burgeoning fame.

His journey began with Kurumba Maldives, and today, his company oversees eight resorts under the expansive Universal umbrella. Maniku, who has dedicated his life to bringing this sector to its peak, passionately champions the diligent efforts of those who work within it. He also underscored the critical importance of training our youth to embrace tourism careers for the continued prosperity of this vital industry.

“The Maldivians are very good at work. The Maldivians are hard working people, so they have to be the ones to do it,” Maniku urged, a heartfelt call to empower his compatriots.

Another invaluable piece of advice from Maniku is to diversify the categories of resorts in the Maldives and to avoid over-reliance on any single tourist market.

“My message is that tourism is a blessing from God to us in Maldives. Since we have received such a blessing we must try to sustain it,” he concluded in his interview with Haveeru Newspaper.

Even though MU Maniku has departed this earthly plane, his accomplishments continue to resonate, a vibrant pulse in the heart of the Maldives. Maniku remains, unequivocally, a cherished pearl of our nation.