Implementing Sustainable Tourism practices in luxury resorts of Maldives: Sustainability principles & Tripple Bottomline Approach

Abstract

The aim of the research paper is to understand the sustainability challenges faced by resorts mainly luxury in Maldives and to implement the sustainable tourism practices. The Maldives economy is dependent mostly on the fishing, boat building, boat repairing and tourism. Over recent years there is a drastic change that has took place in Maldives in tourism industry. Maldives has progressed to be the upper middle-income country and luxury resorts are the reason for increased GDP in the country. Although there are some practices associated with the luxury resorts to follow in terms of environmental concerns. Present study focuses on the triple bottom line approach and the 12 major Sustainable Tourism Principles as a framework for sustainability practices and its implementation including the challenges associated in Maldives. The paper suggests some recommendations on several paradigm of enforcing laws and regulations, waste management facilities, fostering collaboration along with promoting local agriculture. The study also contemplates on several other areas such as on the impact of sustainability initiatives, coral restoration, and the use of sustainable supply chains. The intent of the current research is to suggest methods to promote the sustainable practices in luxury resort in Maldives.