VOICED : Culture war as the Maldives opens

The Maldives, traditionally a high-end tourist destination, is opening up to backpackers, allowing for more cultural interaction with locals. Recent reforms have enabled Maldivians to open guest houses, challenging the previous separation of tourists and locals. This shift aims to balance the tourism economy, though travel costs remain high. The government assures that the established resort sector will not suffer, as new tourists complement rather than compete with existing offerings.

What recent change has the Maldives made to attract a different type of tourist?

• Opening up to backpackers and budget travelers

• Building more luxury resorts

• Introducing all-inclusive packages

• Offering free flights to the islands

What was the main reason for keeping tourists and locals separate in the Maldives?

• To increase tourism revenue

• To promote local businesses

• To ensure tourists have a private experience

• To protect the local culture from Western influences

What reform did the first democratically elected government introduce in the Maldives?

• Allowing locals to open guest houses for tourists

• Banning all-inclusive resorts

• Introducing a new tourism tax

• Building a new airport

How does the government view the impact of local guest houses on the resort sector?

• They think it will replace the resort sector

• They see it as a complement to the resort sector

• They are unsure of the impact

• They believe it will harm the resort sector

What is a significant challenge for budget travelers in the Maldives?

• Limited dining options

• Lack of affordable accommodation

• Strict visa regulations

• High cost of inter-island travel