A fun and sustainable vacation in the Maldives is as easy as 1-2-3

Travellers from all over the world are drawn to the diverse and unique experiences of the Maldives. But for this atoll nation in the Indian Ocean, which will be one of the most affected destinations from rising sea levels and climate change, promoting and preserving sustainable forms of tourism is more critical than ever.

To ensure that its natural splendour can continue to be enjoyed by future generations, the local government, communities and hospitality operators hope to inspire increased global action with a range of enjoyable, yet sustainable tourism initiatives for travellers.

1. Empower the local community

Secret Paradise Maldives offers tours that provide an insight into local life, culture, history, traditions, food and language from the perspective of local guides. Photo Credit: Secret Paradise Maldives

Though tourism accounts for 28% of its GDP pre-Covid, very little of the revenue goes back to the local community. The money tourists spend in accommodations owned by foreign companies is not enough to sustain and drive local efforts in preserving the traditional Maldivian culture.

According to Ruth Franklin, co-founder and director of Secret Paradise Maldives, “When travellers choose locally owned accommodations or activities, it ensures that most of the travel expenditure goes back to the community who preserve the islands and the traditional Maldivian culture.”

Fulidhoo Dive & Water Sports specialises in dives organised by local experts who bring travellers to spots brimming with sharks, rays and other vibrant marine life. Photo Credit: Fulidhoo Dive & Water Sports

In the same vein, Ali Miuraj, managing director of Fulidhoo Dive and Water Sports, believes in supporting homegrown outfits. “What local tourism has allowed for is small successful businesses, often family run, by people with years of training in luxury hospitality. The money goes directly to the local people, rather than leaving the country altogether.”

Additionally, there is no better way for travellers to get a much more authentic and exclusive experience than with local travel operators.

“A large element of our tours is the opportunity for cultural immersion which include visiting a local’s home for a traditional dining experience, trying hedhikaa (afternoon snacks) and learning to cook local recipes,” Franklin shares.

2. Support eco-friendly accommodations

Patina Maldives has set ambitious goals to tackle marine plastic pollution and implement a comprehensive coral propagation project. Photo Credit: Patina Maldives

Once largely associated as a luxury resort destination, sustainability is increasingly taking front and centre stage in many tourists’ demands —
and they are willing to pay a premium for it. Hospitality players are increasingly practising eco-friendly initiatives and reducing their carbon footprint, instead of simply focusing on luxury offerings.

From zero-waste kitchens and recycling marine plastics to offering free dive lessons to children to nurture respect for the environment, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, is one such example of an eco-friendly luxury resort that caters to an emerging generation of travellers who are mindful of their impact on the world.

“The resort is built an on-island organic permaculture garden where fresh produce will be cultivated for various departments, reducing greenhouse gas emissions during the supply chain process; guests are encouraged to explore and forage the variety of vegetables and herbs available within the garden at their leisure”, a spokesperson from Patina Maldives discloses.

Conrad Maldives is furthering its agenda for sustainable tourism with marine conservation, waste management, community outreach and mindful meals. Photo Credit: Conrad Maldives

At Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, some of its sustainability practices includes a coral regeneration programme that guests can partake in, a hydroponic gardening project, and efforts in eliminating all single-use plastic.

“Conrad Maldives recognises that they can elevate guest experiences by combining luxury travel with immersive engagement,” Paul Hutton, area vice president and head of Southeast Asia, Hilton says, “so that guests have the opportunity to make a personal difference by contributing to the resorts’ effort in protecting the ecosystem”.

3. Seek out conservation activities

Fairmont Maldives' Coralarium is the world’s first semi-submerged art gallery that doubles up as a site for coral regeneration. Photo Credit: Fairmont Maldives

Through Patina Maldives’ partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, a charitable organisation that provides rehabilitation to injured turtles from the Indian Ocean, hotel guests can ‘adopt’ a turtle during their stay at the resort, and dive deeper into understanding the threats to these peaceful ocean dwellers.

Meanwhile, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi has a sizeable range of activities that offer the chance for tourists to play a role in marine conservation. From releasing baby hatchling turtles to planting baby coral fragments onto a personalised coral frame for its coral nursery, these activities aim to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Fairmont Maldives’ guests while instilling in them a new sense of respect and admiration for the environment.

Faimont Maldives’ sustainability manager, Sam Dixon, has personally encountered people who “come to the Maldives because of the environment, to escape their city lives”.

He goes on to add, “If we can convince some that this incredible natural environment, and the planet as a whole is under threat and they can do something about it, through the activities we provide here, then we’ve done our job and helped create an ecotourism culture for the luxury hospitality market here.”