Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
54
Sustainable Tourism Strategies
To ensure the preservation of the country’s natural heritage and assets, the government of
Maldives has a set of principles and guidelines that has to be followed when an island is being
developed into a resort. Beach allocation for each room, height of the rooms in the property, total
area allowed to use for the resort – all of the aforementioned are set by the government.166 There
are certain regulations specifically designed for the protection of the environment during the
construction of tourism developments, ensuring sustainable infrastructure development in the
resorts. However, enforcement of these regulations is weak.
In 2009, a plan to achieve carbon neutrality for the country by 2020 was announced to be
achieved by reducing electricity emissions and using solar panels and windmills. A voluntary tax
was imposed on tourists visiting luxury resorts of the Maldives to fund this initiative.167 The
government has also sought to address the most pressing environmental threat the country
faces, namely climate change. The Increasing Climate Change Resilience of Maldives through
Adaptation in the Tourism Sector Project (TAP), funded by the UNDP and the government of
Maldives, aims to develop policies, standards, codes, and regulatory guidance for the
development of tourism infrastructure to adapt to climate change.168 Initiatives were
undertaken to increase awareness of tourism industry stakeholders of the importance of waste
management issues for tourism sustainability.
Coral stone was mainly used for construction and can be seen today on ancient mosques. The
craftsmanship and details that went into decorating the mosques can be seen from the exterior
itself and is a true display of local skills. Unfortunately, neither the government nor any private
parties have paid much attention to preserving these cultural and heritage sites whereas
measures have been taken to protect certain natural sites rich in biodiversity, such as Hanifaru
Bay in Baa Atoll and the nature park in Fuvahmulah. Certain actions are prohibited, using guns
for fishing169, shark fishing170 etc., and fines are imposed on people who fail to abide by the
regulations set in these natural sites.
To ensure the industry growth remains constant, within the industry, policy makers and
industry professionals have made efforts to address tourist needs. The Maldives Visitor Survey,
which is undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism each year, provides a comprehensive
observation of their behavior, outlining their experience throughout the journey. The 2017
survey further proved that the beach, coral reefs, lagoons, and the overall natural beauty of the
islands are key factors that attract tourists to the Maldives. Additionally, the peacefulness and
privacy provided to all tourists are a contributing factor when tourists decide to come to the
Maldives. Due to the regulations and policies set forth by the government, the tourists are
166 Ministry of Tourism. (2005). Environmental Guidelines for Tourist Resort Development & Operations in the Maldives.
Retrieved from
167Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. (2013). Sustainable development of tourism destinations. Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation.
168 UNDP. (n.d.) Tourism Adaptation Project: Increasing climate change resilience of Maldives through adaptation in the
tourism sector. Retrieved from
to-climate-change1.html.
169 Attorney General’s Office. (n.d.). General Fisheries Regulations. Retrieved from
170 The New York Times. (2010). Maldives Ban Fishing of Sharks. Retrieved from