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.