SECRET PARADISE ATTENDS MALDIVES SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FORUM 2023

Last week, Co-Founder Ruth and Tour Leader, Kamey, attended the 4th Edition of the Sustainable Tourism Forum (STF) 2023, organised by the International Maldives Travel Market (IMTM).

The primary objective of the 2023 STF was to identify and develop a a list of guiding principles for achieving meaningful actions and collaborations towards a greener, more responsible and resilient future for the Maldives tourism industry. A policy brief on the findings of the STF 2023 and the recommendations put forward to strengthen
sustainability in the tourism sector will be submitted to government and tourism bodies including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, MMPRC, MATI, NBAM, NHGAM, MATATO, and ATA

This year’s Sustainable Tourism Forum theme – Green Investments and Innovation for Responsible Tourism: Paving the Path for a Greener Future – was inspired by the World Tourism Organization’s theme for World Tourism Day. The event set out to explore how tourism investment in upskilling people, as well as in renewable energy and climate adaptation, could alongside providing avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship lead to a more sustainable future, in an ever changing world

The two days were a collaboration of various sectors of the Maldives tourism industry, including resorts, guesthouses and liveaboards, private sector tourism related businesses, independent institutions, Maldives Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives UNDP and academic bodies. Conversation and discussions were passionate, as well as challenging, with representatives engaged in presentations and panel debates on day one, and in discussion groups and presentations on day two. A true reflection of collaboration, which is as it should be under the banner of sustainability.

Recently appointed, Minister of Tourism, Honorable Ibrahim Faisal officially opened the event.

The Maldives UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Enrico Gaveglia, stated in his opening address speech, that there was ‘the need for both private and public tourism stakeholders to work together to protect both the nature and the people of the Maldives’. He also highlighted that globally tourism was moving from just being sustainable to being regenerative, aspiring to enhance a destination and make a positive impact for the future. He noted that it was important to look beyond the actions taken domestically, but also at how the actions of others internationally may have an impact on the Maldives. A salient point for a Small Island Developing State, particularly given that Climate Justice had been a topic of conversation at COP28.

Mr. Ali Shinan, Deputy Director General, Ministry Of Tourism provided an overview of the Maldives 5th Tourism Master Plan (5TMP), the guiding document that identifies and develops the strategic direction and action plan for the tourism sector for the next 5 years. The plan is comprised of 15 goals which encompass the pillars of sustainability as well as the SDGs, with a vision of the Maldives leading the world as a sustainable destination. Full details of the 5TMP can be found here.

Mr. Xu Jing, Vice Chairman, Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC), Macao, in his key note speech, ‘Towards a more Sustainable Tourism Destination in Asia’, spoke about the recovery of countries in Asia post the pandemic. Globally International tourism reached 84% of its pre-pandemic level between January and July 2023, according to the UN World Tourism Organization. Asia-Pacific was far behind other regions in its recovery, having reached only 61%. Many destinations and source markets in the region like China were not open for travel until the end of 2022 or early 2023. However, Mr Xu challenged should numbers count? Should measurements be more focused on the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inclusive planning and implementation, renewable energy and the protection of the environment. A point that Co-Founder, Ruth Franklin was to mention later in the day.

Ms. Jauza Khaleel, Sustainable Development Specialist, set the scene for the day under the banner of ‘Green and Blue Investments – Concepts and Policy Landscape’. Ms Jauza explained the EU criteria of Green & Blue investment which includes, climate change mitigation, transition to a circular economy, protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems. She also reminded those present how responsible and sustainable tourism could only be brought about by encompassing economic resilience, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Finally, Ms Jauza, concluded by providing an overview of the government policies that supported the three pillars of sustainability.

Following the opening addresses the day was broken into three themes – Prioritising Education and Upscaling Skills, Investing in sustainable transition and tourism’s green transition and Strengthening Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship for More Sustainable Tourism. Presentations were delivered by nine external speakers from within the Maldives tourism industry. Each speaker shared insights into how the work or projects they are involved in operate to pave a path for a greener future in the Maldives, also highlighting obstacles faced and lessons learnt. Following each theme the presenters took questions from the audience, to delve deeper into points of interest or gain clarification.

People: Prioritising Education and Upscaling Skills

Hussain Afeef, MAHR – Invest to Grow – No Better Day than Today
Hassan Shamaam, Villa Resorts – The Skills Crisis
Hinna Khalid, Kazu Institute – Circular Education for Awareness to Actions

Planet – Investing in sustainable transition and tourism’s green transition

Zoe Cox, Amilla Maldives – Home of the Dhoonis
Lawrence Menz, Six Senses – Green Footprints: Working with Nature for Transformative Travel Industry
Giorgia Maggioni, Oblu Select Sangeli – Investing in the Planet: A Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Prosperity – Strengthening Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship for More Sustainable Tourism

Ibrahim Afsah & Aminath Muha, SDF – Investing in Prosperity: Access to Finance for SMEs
Aminath Samaahath, Small Island Geographic Society – Resilient Retreats: Building for Climate Adaptation
Ruth Franklin, Secret Paradise Maldives – Beyond the Bottom Line – Building Success that Benefits All.

Day two brought all participants together in 3 groups to discuss the ‘Guiding Principles for Accelerating
Green/Blue Investment Locally’, identifying the next steps and ways of implementing the guiding principles by tourism stakeholders under the headings of people, planet and prosperity. Following 4 hours of discussion, each group was provided the opportunity to present their thoughts and the key actions they believe need to be taken to ensure that the Maldives, its people, environment and economy is sustained for future generations. From these presentations a policy paper including the group recommendations to strengthen sustainability and prosperity in the tourism sector will be presented to government departments and official tourism related bodies.

Ruth sums up the event. ‘Once again it was a very positive and inspiring two days. Prosperity generally refers to a state of flourishing, thriving, good fortune, and success, especially in financial or material terms. In a world that is changing and where consumer demand for more sustainable travel options is growing, we have the opportunity to measure tourism success on values of sustainability, this can only bring benefits for tourism businesses, aligning themselves with contemporary expectations and contributing to the long-term success of the Maldives. I am sure all who attended are looking forward to reviewing the draft policy paper before its final submission and that more stakeholders will join the conversation and take actions towards a sustainable future’.