Tourism Ministry, UNFPA Partner on Community Tourism Empowerment Initiative

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nations Population Fund to introduce a People-Centred Community Tourism Empowerment Model aimed at increasing local participation in the tourism sector.

The agreement was signed on Thursday during a ceremony held at the ministry.

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According to the ministry, the initiative seeks to create greater opportunities for island communities to engage directly in tourism-related economic activities while ensuring that tourism development reflects local needs and priorities.

The pilot programme will be implemented in four islands in Baa Atoll—Dharavandhoo, Donfanu, Kihaadhoo and Kudarikilu. The project is designed to establish a tourism model that encourages participation from women, young people, senior citizens and families.

The ministry said the programme aims to strengthen community involvement in tourism by placing residents at the centre of development efforts and expanding access to economic opportunities generated by the sector.

As part of the first phase, mapping activities will be conducted to identify local resources, opportunities and community needs. The findings will form the basis for future capacity-building programmes and production-focused initiatives under the project.

The ministry described the MoU as an important step towards making local communities key partners in the sustainable development of tourism in the Maldives. It added that the initiative is expected to support the development of a more inclusive tourism model that delivers broader benefits to island populations.