ENHANCING THE CULTURAL TOURISM EXPERIENCE THROUGH GASTRONOMY IN THE MALDIVES
ENHANCING THE CULTURAL TOURISM EXPERIENCE THROUGH GASTRONOMY IN THE MALDIVES

Summary/Abstract: The tourism industry in the Maldives has faced unprecedented growth in the development of luxury resorts since 1972. With significant investment in infrastructure, and other physical super structures including a high concentration of five-star resorts, the region has been rapidly transformed into a premium luxury tourism destination. Considering the risk of diluting the existing unique heritage and cultural traditions of the past, tourism in the Maldives can help to preserve essential cultural components including its unique gastronomy through food tourism. In an increasingly competitive tourism environment, sea, sand, and sun destinations such as the Maldives will need to diversify its offerings to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the global tourist. Adding to long-term sustainability of tourism in the Maldives, this study examines how gastronomy can be further developed and to identify what aspects will help to positively enhance the tourism experience. While the majority of tourists to the Maldives indicated that the destination is predominantly known for its sea, sand, and sun impressions along with its natural beauty, the results of this study reported that interest in local food offerings exists among tourists visiting the Maldives beyond what is typically presented during buffet nights in the high concentration of luxury resorts. To help maintain the historical and cultural significance of the region, in addition to reducing the high level of imported products while increasing engagement and active participation of the local population in the tourism industry, gastronomy tourism may provide substantial benefits in sustaining tourism in the Maldives. Observing gastronomy as an emerging concept for the Maldives, it is evident that many of the resorts are focusing on enhancing the visitor experience through more local and authentic offerings that represent this unique region that is remotely located in the Indian Ocean.

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