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Resorts
in the Maldives woo tourists with promises of 'the last paradise
on earth', and if your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical
island with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches and brilliant
turquoise lagoons, then the Maldives will not disappoint.
It's also a major destination for scuba divers, who come for
the fabulous coral reefs and the wealth of marine life. But
it's not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists
who want to travel independently and live as the locals do.
Tourism
in the Maldives is carefully managed. The country's tourism
master plan identifies both the underwater environment and
'the Robinson Crusoe factor' as major attractions, but these
are not seen as compatible with large-scale, low budget, mass
tourism. The lack of local resources makes it necessary to
import virtually everything a visitor needs, from furniture
to fresh vegetables, so the Maldives cannot really compete
on price. The strategy has been to develop a limited number
of quality resorts, each on its own uninhabited island, free
from traffic, crime and crass commercialism.
The
Maldivian tourism strategy also aims to minimise the adverse
effects of tourism on traditional Muslim communities. Tourists
can make short guided visits to local fishing villages, but
must then return to their resort. Most are satisfied with
this glimpse of local life and culture, but to stay longer
or to travel to atolls outside the tourist zone requires a
good reason, a special permit, and a local person to sponsor
the visitor. Most tourists come to understand the restrictions
after a short visit to an accessible island - it is difficult
to imagine how isolated Maldivian communities would benefit
from extended stays by an uncontrolled number of tourists.
Like
it or not, this highly regulated tourist industry has been
enormously successful - there are more and better resorts,
a steady increase in visitor numbers, and a minimal impact
on the natural and social environment. The Maldives is internationally
recognised as a model for sustainable, environment-friendly
tourist development.
Full
country name: Republic of Maldives
Area: 298 sq km (115 sq mi)
Population: 301,475
Capital city: Malé (pop. 62,973)
People: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African
Language: Maldivian Divehi
Religion: Sunni Muslim
Government: Republic
President: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
GDP:
US$500 million
GDP per head: US$1840
Annual growth: 5.8%
Inflation: 6.3%
Major industries: fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat
building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope,
handicrafts, coral and sand mining, coconuts, corn, sweet
potatoes, fish
Major trading partners: Sri Lanka, US, Germany, Singapore,
UK, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand
Maldives
Flight from UK
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