Maldives as a Backpacker's Destination: Supply and Demand Perspectives

Tourism policies in countries are often driven not only by economic agenda, but they are also shaped by socio-cultural factors. Islamic countries have had different approaches to seaside tourism development. Since the 1970's and the opening to tourism, the Maldives have been developing strategies to contain tourists to private islands and minimize the contact with locals, whom would live on different islands. Tourism has long since been established as a ‘luxury’ destination, housing some of the world's most expensive resorts and top brands, while entertaining little to none middle and low-budget tourists. This situation has changed with the recent laws allowing operation of guesthouses in local islands other than the capital city of Male’ and the island situated next to the international airport, some parts of the country have experienced a boom in guesthouse tourism. Opportunities for a variety of local business ventures (such as watersports providers, hostels and food outlets) opened up creating more community involvement, which contrasts greatly with the past tourism organisation. More and more guesthouses are opening in different islands and atolls of the Maldives, providing cheaper holidaying options and a more “authentic” experience compared to the one-island one-resort concept. This situation, by its novelty, creates new opportunities and challenges in the socio-cultural context of the Maldives and remains debated.