BUILDING THE FUTURE OF LOCAL TOURISM IN SH.KANDITHEEMU
The knowledge, passion and confidence of local communities play a vital role in creating meaningful visitor experiences while ensuring tourism development benefits the destinations where it takes place.
In July 2026, Secret Paradise Maldives partnered with the Blue Guild Foundation (BGF), Kanditheemu Island Council and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) to deliver a three-day Tour Guide Foundation Skills Training Programme as part of the “Visit Kanditheemu: A Community-Driven Future” project.
Funded through the Australian High Commission Direct Aid Program, the “Rah Thayyaru!” workshop was designed to provide local residents with the practical skills and confidence needed to develop professional, safe and responsible tourism experiences.
Held from 9–11 July 2026, the workshop brought together 15 participants, including local entrepreneurs, tourism vendors and school leavers, who are interested in contributing to the future of tourism on Kanditheemu.
Empowering Local Tourism Through Training
The Tour Guide Foundation Skills programme was developed by Secret Paradise Maldives in late 2024, with the aim of strengthening tourism capacity within local communities across the Maldives. The training combines interactive classroom learning with practical field-based activities, allowing participants to explore both the theory and real-life application of professional guiding.
During the three-day programme, participants developed skills in:
- Professional tour guiding techniques
- Guest communication and engagement
- Creating effective tour and safety briefings
- Managing guest expectations
- Developing standard operating procedures
- Safety management and responsible tour operations
- Sustainable tourism practices
A key element of the training is helping future guides understand their role as ambassadors for their islands, their culture and the natural environment.
Supporting Responsible Tourism in the Maldives
As tourism continues to expand across local islands, ensuring communities have the knowledge and tools to manage tourism responsibly is essential. Participants explored how responsible tourism practices can be incorporated into everyday guiding, including marine awareness, guest education and environmental protection. The programme introduced participants to the Green Fins Snorkelling Code of Conduct, helping them understand how guides can encourage safe and sustainable interactions with the marine environment. With the Maldives’ fragile natural resources, including its coral reefs and marine life, local guides have an important role in protecting these ecosystems while sharing their value with visitors.
Learning Through Experience
The workshop encouraged active participation through discussions, presentations and practical guiding scenarios. Participants practised delivering safety briefings, introducing experiences to guests and responding to different situations that may arise during tours. By combining knowledge sharing with hands-on activities, the programme helped participants build confidence in their ability to design and deliver quality tourism experiences rooted in their own community.
The results reflected the value of this approach, with participants reporting an average 54.1% increase in self-assessed competency following the training. The workshop also received a 90.8% recommendation rate, demonstrating strong community support for this type of skills development initiative.
The programme also created opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange between participants, trainers and local stakeholders.
Investing in Communities for the Future
“Strong local tourism starts with investing in people. Tour guides are often the first point of connection between visitors and communities, and their knowledge, communication skills and understanding of responsible tourism play a vital role in shaping positive experiences,” said Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives. “Kanditheemu is at the beginning of its tourism journey, and supporting the community with these foundations helps ensure future tourism development is locally led, environmentally conscious and benefits the island for years to come.”
Mohamed Areesh, Chairperson of the Blue Guild Foundation, highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating resilient communities. “The workshop was very successful and we achieved our objective of providing the community with the practical tools and skills necessary to design and manage successful tourism businesses while preserving the island’s heritage,” he said.
To celebrate the completion of the programme, Kanditheemu Island Council and the Women’s Development Committee hosted a community BBQ, bringing together participants, trainers and partners to celebrate the achievements of the workshop and strengthen the collaborative spirit behind the project.
Continuing the Journey Towards Sustainable Tourism
The Kanditheemu training forms part of Secret Paradise Maldives’ ongoing commitment to strengthening the local tourism sector through education, skills development and community partnerships. Alongside its work experience programme and ongoing investment in tour leader training, Secret Paradise Maldives believes that empowering local people is fundamental to creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism future for the Maldives.
By investing in the next generation of Maldivian guides, communities are better equipped to create authentic visitor experiences, protect their natural surroundings and ensure tourism remains a positive force for local people and the islands they call home.
Bringing Skills Development to More Communities Across the Maldives
Secret Paradise Maldives welcomes interest from other local communities, island councils, Women’s Development Committees and community organisations who are interested in developing tourism skills within their islands.
The Tour Guide Foundation Skills Training Programme is delivered free of charge to participating communities. In exchange, communities are asked to support the delivery of the programme by hosting two members of the Secret Paradise Maldives team during the training period, helping ensure the programme remains accessible while allowing our trainers to work directly alongside local participants.
Every island has its own unique culture, environment and stories to share. By supporting communities with the skills, knowledge and confidence to develop responsible tourism experiences, we hope to contribute towards a future where tourism growth is locally led, benefits residents and celebrates the diversity of the Maldives.
If your community is interested in hosting a future training programme, we would be delighted to hear from you.
