The Role of Local Food in Maldives Tourism - Scholarly Commons ...
The Role of Local Food in Maldives Tourism - Scholarly Commons ...
The Role of Local Food in Maldives Tourism - Scholarly Commons ...
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• S<strong>in</strong>ce tourism operators and experts have expressed that there is huge <strong>in</strong>terest from<br />
tourists for local food and culture, this presents the opportunity to <strong>in</strong>corporate more<br />
cultural concepts <strong>in</strong>to events and experiences such as the “Maldivian nights”<br />
currently conducted at tourist establishments. Some suggestions were made to enrich<br />
these events:<br />
− Proper traditional attire to be worn by staff on “Maldivian nights”: Staff at<br />
tourism establishments usually wear uniforms. While the uniforms <strong>of</strong> some<br />
establishments have some semblance <strong>of</strong> Maldivian cultural attire, not all<br />
establishments follow this rule. Given that there are not many opportunities for<br />
tourists to experience <strong>Maldives</strong> culture and local ways <strong>of</strong> life, “Maldivian<br />
nights” projects an opportunity to exhibit the unique traditional attire <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Maldives</strong> and the richness <strong>of</strong> the culture that it portrays.<br />
− Display<strong>in</strong>g tradition and culture <strong>in</strong> the presentation <strong>of</strong> dishes and cultural dances:<br />
Currently, tourist establishments practice foreign methods <strong>in</strong> decoration and<br />
presentation <strong>of</strong> food, such as vegetable, fruit and butter carv<strong>in</strong>gs. <strong>Food</strong> display,<br />
decoration and presentation have special ways and styles <strong>in</strong> Maldivian cuis<strong>in</strong>e<br />
and culture that use local products and techniques. Malaafaiy (refer to Fig. 6.19<br />
and the related discussion on p. 152) is an example <strong>of</strong> special food presentation.<br />
Some other examples <strong>in</strong>clude pomegranate seeds used to decorate desserts,<br />
coconut shells, banana leaves and coconut palm used <strong>in</strong> different ways <strong>in</strong> food<br />
presentation.<br />
− Folklore dramas or similar events to be followed by the meals: <strong>Maldives</strong> has a<br />
rich heritage <strong>of</strong> folklore that <strong>in</strong>volves myths and legends some <strong>of</strong> which are<br />
related to Maldivian history. For example, the folklore tales about the first<br />
settlers <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Maldives</strong> and how <strong>Maldives</strong> embraced Islam are immensely<br />
popular and dramatic tales. At present, after d<strong>in</strong>ner enterta<strong>in</strong>ment programmes at<br />
“Maldivian nights” <strong>in</strong>volve local music or dance. Folklore dramas or stories will<br />
further enrich these events. It was put forward by tourism experts that such<br />
activities would not only provide a cultural tourism experience, but would help<br />
revive tradition and culture among the staff as well.<br />
• It was po<strong>in</strong>ted out by an expert that the role <strong>of</strong> local food <strong>in</strong> tourism is not given<br />
much emphasis <strong>in</strong> TTMP, and that <strong>in</strong> order to <strong>in</strong>corporate culture and tradition <strong>in</strong><br />
tourism, TTMP should encourage the promotion <strong>of</strong> local food. It was noted by two <strong>of</strong><br />
the experts that TTMP calls for the development <strong>of</strong> cultural tourism where food<br />
festivals are among the activities proposed to promote culture and tradition. TTMP<br />
135