The Role of Local Food in Maldives Tourism - Scholarly Commons ...

experts, “It is of great potential. We have failed to utilise this vital component in the
past”. Comments provided by some operators indicate that they believe such linkages
will provide direct benefits to the local communities and increase their living standard
and boost multiplier effect of tourism benefits:
It will directly affect the living standard of the local community, since
local products will be purchased from local farmers which will make
tourism benefits to roll throughout the community.
Increasing linkages with other economic sectors is emphasised in TTMP as an
important avenue for the “equitable distribution of the economic benefits from tourism
among Maldivians” in order to “ensure sustainable social and economic development of
tourism” (MTCA, 2007c). The Plan further elaborates:
The leakages from the tourism sector can be reduced through
strengthening the linkages between the tourism sector and other
supporting sectors namely fisheries, agriculture and handicraft (p. 32).
The lack of cultural dimensions in tourism was highlighted by tourism operators and
experts. It was noted that in the Maldives, local food is not given due recognition in the
tourism industry. It was suggested by an operator that local food can be used as a tool to
promote culture because “food represents the way of life” of Maldivians. Thus it is
evident that tourism operators recognize that local food is part of Maldivian “cultural
heritage” and that they believe interest in culture and heritage is a tourist motivator.
Industry experts also noted that “local culture is a seriously neglected area” in
promoting Maldives tourism, and that “there is an urgent need” to promote culture. It
was also highlighted by two of the expert respondents that although development of
cultural tourism is stressed in the TTMP, culinary tourism is not included. As a policy
maker warned:
Unless we have these added attractions we could lose the glory of
being the most famed tourism destination in the world. This is the right
time to take these additional strides in further developing our industry.
One operator noted that tourists are conscious of Maldives’ “fragile eco system and are
attentive to the local resources”. There is a strong feeling that adding local cuisine and
the related cultural factors would enhance the uniqueness of Maldives and the overall
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