Government Launches Community Tourism Model to Empower Youth and Women

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation is introducing a new community tourism empowerment model designed to increase local participation and ensure the benefits of the industry reach a broader segment of the population. To realize this vision, the ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNFPA Maldives to implement a People-Centered Community Tourism Empowerment Model. This initiative seeks to shift the tourism paradigm toward a more inclusive, family-based system that actively integrates women, youth, and senior citizens into the economic fold. The program will begin with a pilot phase across four islands in Baa Atoll: Dharavandhoo, Dhonfanu, Kihaadhoo, and Kudarikilu. By focusing on these specific communities, the government aims to test a framework where islanders are not merely employees but key partners in the development of tourism products. According to the ministry, the model prioritizes the needs and perspectives of the local community to ensure that tourism expansion does not happen at the expense of island residents. The first phase of the project focuses on mapping, which will identify local assets and gaps. This data will then inform subsequent stages, including capacity building and productivity development, to ensure residents have the skills required to manage and profit from tourism activities. By fostering a community-driven approach, the government intends to create a more sustainable tourism model. This shift aims to reduce the disparity between luxury resort enclaves and inhabited islands, promoting a decentralized economy where local heritage and community identity drive the visitor experience.