Community-based tourism in the case of the Maldives

Abstract

This article aims at analyzing tourism development efforts in the guesthouse sector in the Maldives. In terms of method, it is a conceptual paper, which is based on a systematic literature review. The results show that tourism in the Maldives is dominated by foreign controlled resorts explaining the unequal distribution of its benefits. Entrepreneurs can focus on community guesthouses to cater for a 'budget' market as well as high-end tourists. The article suggests that the Madives must create CBT ventures through decentralizing to a greater number of islands/atolls and redistributing resources to decrease inequality of control and benefits.