Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
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turtles162, which are now considered a protected species in the Maldives. Many industry
professionals expressed concerns over lagoons being destroyed to pave way for infrastructural
developments.163 Whilst the country has made efforts to reduce the carbon footprint, Maldives
has yet to find alternative methods for development. Maldives is a low-laying island destination
and is therefore directly threatened by climate change. More and more hoteliers are concerned
about the environment and are eager to contribute to it. New properties are installing solar
panels. International tourism establishments invest in the Maldives with the concept of
sustainable tourism in their minds, knowing that although the initial expenses are huge, it is
essential for tourism sustainability.
The negative impacts of tourism are not only limited to the environment, but also extend to the
society and economy as well. As a country dependent on its imports, a huge percentage of the
foreign currency is spent on imports for the tourism sector. With the opening of new properties,
a large number of job opportunities is given to expatriates. In addition to the foreign currency
spent on the country’s imports, salaries to the foreigners who are employed in the Maldives are
also draining foreign currency reserves. Women’s participation in the industry is also relatively
lower compared to that of men. Although some resorts have taken the initiative to press for
progress and promote a gender-balanced work environment164 with consideration to the figures
from approximately 10 years ago, the gender parity gap still remains at large in the Maldives.
Maldives has managed to compete against destinations such as Bahamas and Fiji due to the
unique natural scenery of the islands. Hoteliers have made an enclave in resort islands, whereby
the visiting tourists can get everything they need or require in that particular island itself. The
‘one island, one hotel’ concept is very prominent inmarketing the islands. Maldives is not limited
to the blue waters and white beaches – the temperature plays an equal role in differentiating the
destination from competing ones. Apart from slight monsoon rains, the temperature in the
country remains almost constant throughout the year, which is not very common in other
countries such as the UK or other European countries where they experience temperature
changes from positive to negative within the year.
Sustainable Destination Management
Destination Governance
When tourism first started in 1972 in the Maldives, it was not regulated. The government leased
islands to the elites who were able to afford it. The industry called them ‘pioneers of tourism in
the Maldives,’ which they rightfully earned as these pioneers ventured in to a very challenging
start in the industry. The very first tourism act came out in 1978. Slowly, but steadily, the
industry started progressing towards a more sustainable direction. At present, the industry is a
partnership between the private sector and the government. The islands are leased according to
the regulations set by the Ministry of Tourism along with other relevant government bodies, as
are the developmental guidelines. The Ministry has a 5-year master plan, which was the result
of collaboration between public and private tourism stakeholders. The implementation of the
162 Attorney General’s Office. (n.d.). General Fisheries Regulations. Retrieved from
163 Maldives Independent. (2018). Maldives blasted for destroying the environment. Retrieved from
164 Maldives Insider. (2017). Soneva signs up with women on boards to promote gender equality, women entrepreneurship.
Retrieved from
women-entrepreneurship/.