Exploring the challenges in initiating community-based tourism: a case study of Thaa Guraidhoo, Maldives

Abstract

Community Based Tourism (CBT) has bloomed in the Maldives in the past decade. However, islanders have yet to explore CBT. The purpose of this study is to explore the challenges in initiating CBT in Thaa Guraidhoo. In the Maldives, CBT is identified as “Local Island Tourism” (LIT), where guesthouses are run by families. For the year 2019, state 40% of all guesthouses are in Kaafu atoll. There are only 3 guesthouses in Thaa Atoll alone, indicating that there has been a lack of participation in CBT. Maldives is a country that focuses on selling its sun, sand, and sea (Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture, 2012). However, with the country becoming more open to the idea of CBT, a study in this field is required. An exploratory research was conducted by collecting qualitative data through purposive sampling via interviews. An inductive approach, to some extent theory-driven, has been taken for the study. Four major factors were identified as challenges in CBT initiation. The study highlights a need for land use planning, a monitoring framework for tourism development and, public transport systems.