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. |
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Tourism
in the Maldives is carefully managed. The
country's tourism master plan identifies both
the underwater environment and `the Robinson
Cruse 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.
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The
Maldivian tourism strategy also aims to minimize
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. |
