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One more season has come to a successful close and preparations are already in full swing to meet the next. New projects have been sanctioned and initiated, existing resorts are renovating and refurbishing, all aimed at offering visitors more luxury, comfort, and better infrastructure. Both the tourism authorities and private players have embarked upon a slew of new marketing initiatives guaranteed to ensure a brighter season ahead.
So far, the Maldives was known for its small boutique resorts that are environment-friendly. The Government is hoping to attract more investors and promoters and as expected, big names in the global travel and tourism industry are looking to develop and establish resorts on the islands. It is here that basic environmental issues like trash disposal and water supply are bound to become a problem. Big resorts could add to these pressures in these tiny ecologically fragile islands. It is therefore up to the Government and the industry to be more vigilant and conscious about the environmental impact of large-scale development. Environmental sustainability is after all the watchword of tourism today.
Ravisankar K.V.
Editor
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