The island nation of Maldives offers visitors a variety of activities, such as fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. It has become one of the most popular destinations for Chinese travelers.[Photo provided to China Daily]

The October National Day holiday and Spring Festival, which this year falls in early February, are peak travel periods for Chinese.

"The Maldives is an all-year destination," Faisal says.

Substantial flight and hotel discounts will be offered in March and April.

Resorts are developing itineraries specially for Chinese, whose stays average five days－half of the European travelers'.

These cram in more activities, such as fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, into each day.

The Maldives hopes to introduce new offerings to Chinese, such as small guesthouses on uninhabited islands and "safari boats" with dozens of rooms that are like hotels at sea.

The country has about 180 such vessels at the moment and is building about 40 a year. All-inclusive rooms cost about $200 a night.

Indeed, these developments may mean smooth sailing for increasing inbound Chinese tourism to an already popular island getaway.