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

proposes development of cultural attractions as a way to mitigate negative impacts
on the culture of host communities. It was stated in the Plan:
Along with sun, sea and sand, the local culture and heritage could
become attractions for tourists if efforts are undertaken to do so.
Development of cultural tourism could be achieved through a gradual
process whereby the Government and the tourism industry play their
respective roles in promoting cultural tourism through continuous
encouragement and engagement with island communities. Such
engagements could lead to the development of cultural or historic
attractions where applicable, and facilitate the creation of cultural
experiences for tourists by island communities. (MTCA, 2007c, p. 60).
• In order to reap the benefits from promotions conducted at international tourism
fairs, local food needs to be developed and linked to tourism industry so that the
local food that was promoted abroad is available for tourists when they arrive in the
Maldives. Promotion of local food among tourists who visit Maldives is also
regarded as important considering that tourists would not have been exposed to
Maldivian cuisine prior to their arrival in the Maldives. Experts suggested that The
Culinary Challenge is a possible avenue to promote local food among tourists by
planning and incorporating local cuisine and local culinary arts into the event. Locals
from each atoll in the Maldives could be encouraged to participate in the Culinary
Challenge so that the richness and uniqueness of cuisine from all the atolls could be
displayed. It was envisaged that this would initiate people to start thinking seriously
about integrating local food into tourism and use it in tourism marketing and
promotion programmes. It was recommended by experts that the work of those who
create innovative local dishes and menus that are suitable for tourists should be
recognized by the government to motivate innovation of local food. Prizes and
certificates such as those given at The Culinary Challenge to resort chefs would
motivate locals to participate in these events.
• Development of events that display and promote local products was suggested by an
expert. At present, events that display local products are limited to small scale food
exhibitions and fairs organised by individual community groups such as fundraising
events conducted by Women’s Committees and Island or Atoll Development
Committees. These events are not targeted or promoted for tourists. Island Offices
and tourist resorts should cooperate to promote these events to tourists from nearby
resorts. These events will provide tourists with an enriching experience and exposure
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