Fuvahmulah, popular among the divers as "Shark Island" or "Tiger Shark Island”, has carved out quite a special niche in the Maldivian tourism landscape. This success was not achieved by accident; this was due to the deliberate efforts made on the idea of selling experiences rather than just rooms or flights. The pioneers of tourism on the island focused on promoting the thrill of encountering tiger sharks, as a unique experience which you can rarely get from anywhere else. With divers from all over the world, flying in just to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, today, Fuvahmulah stands out as a brand in its own right.

This alone holds an important lesson: local island tourism is more than just providing accommodations, it gives us the opportunity to let the travellers fully immerse themselves into the history, culture, traditions and the unique experiences each of our islands have to offer. For this reason it requires a shift in our mindset and approach. Instead of simply offering beds for travellers, we should focus on showcasing our rich culture, heritage, and history. Each island has its own unique story, and it’s time we embrace and share these stories with the world. By doing this, we can show the travellers the true meaning of local living.

This alone holds an important lesson: local island tourism is more than just providing accommodations, it gives us the opportunity to let the travellers fully immerse themselves into the history, culture, traditions and the unique experiences each of our islands have to offer. For this reason it requires a shift in our mindset and approach. Instead of simply offering beds for travellers, we should focus on showcasing our rich culture, heritage, and history. Each island has its own unique story, and it’s time we embrace and share these stories with the world. By doing this, we can show the travellers the true meaning of local living.

This is where I believe we may not be heading towards the right direction. While it is essential to welcome our visitors with the highest level of hospitality and warmth, it is also our responsibility to connect them to our culture and educated them about our values. Traveling in its core essence is to explore and learn about the places we visit. Our visitors are keen to understand our traditions and our way of life, they are also curious to learn the things we practice and the reasonings behind certain restrictions we have. By promoting authentic cultural experiences, we can undoubtedly attract visitors who deeply appreciate our way of life, rather than those who simply seek typical beach resort vacations.

Imagine welcoming travellers who are eager to dive deep into the local way of life, dress like a local, enjoy local cuisine in a family-run eatery, take part in local celebrations and learn how to make traditional crafts. This style of tourism not only enriches the visitor experience but also empowers local communities while preserving our rich and unique culture.