Positive / Negative Impacts of Tourism – Keisha Anderson 3020 Portfolio

Negative Impacts:

Around 80% of tourism income leaves the islands and doesn’t actually go back into the Maldivian economy. According to a recent report from The World Bank, tourism makes up approximately two-thirds of the Maldivian annual GDP.
Most tourist income has been going to resort islands. The “resort” islands and the “local” islands differ because the resort islands are primarily operating for tourists with the idea being that each resort island has it’s own resort and atmosphere of sorts.
Locals often need to leave their families to go and work on the resort islands.
One of the reasons for the Maldives having secluded island resorts is because, as a large portion of the Maldivian population is Muslim, the practices of tourists not of that religion can be offensive. This is discussed in the below article: https://www.gaiadiscovery.com/latest-places/maldives-cultural-balance
Tourists and tour operations have damaged the fragile coral ecosystems. The “environmental” section of the Discover Maldives website, introduces people to the delicate Maldivian ocean ecosystems, and how important they are to the people, the environment, and the economy.

Positive Impacts:

Some resorts are giving back to the islands through research and conservation projects. An example of this is the sustainability work that has been taking place on Kuramathi Island Resort, as discussed by Asma Rasheed, director of Business Development in the link below: https://sustainability-leaders.com/interview-asma-rasheed-kuramathi-island-maldives/
“Local” islands are becoming more popular to tourists
There is a growing opportunity to share Maldivian culture and thereby, helping to preserve it. Tourists coming to the Maldives are becoming more interested in going beyond the island resorts and actually getting to know the people and cultural practices more. Observing this, certain tour operators are catering to these tourists by arranging for tours that bring a person closer to the homes and lives of locals. https://www.gaiadiscovery.com/latest-places/maldives-cultural-balance
Tourist infrastructure such as restaurants and shops are providing more work for locals as well as more meeting places.
There are often discounts for locals to scuba dive and participate in other water sports.

References (APA)