No Chinese, no business: The Peking Pound and the Maldives
China remains the single highest supplier of tourists to the Maldives, but dwindling figures have heightened fears that the market has peaked.
17 Oct 2017, 9:00 AM
On a Thursday evening, fishermen from the local market push buckets of fish guts to the low-lying seawall north-west of the capital, tipping the remains into the sea. Around a dozen whiptail stingrays, lured by the easy meal, scamper to the surface of the ocean for the feast.
Ming Yang Hi and his wife follow a local tour guide to the seawall to witness this moment, as they explore the capital in the hours leading up to their flight back to China.
“Maldives is very beautiful. We come here for the cuisine, for the colours, for the white sandy beaches.” Ming Yang Hi speaks slowly and carefully, easing in and out of Mandarin as he searches for the right words with his wife.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
