ASSIGNMENT COVER PAGE

Student’s Name MOHAMED HUSSAIN Roll No. MIC25B37-5870

Course Name TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Batch No BBA B3 DHU VM JAN23

Lecturer RAMESH SAMUDRALA

Project Title A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLAN FOR DHUVAAFARU

Hand-in date 24TH FEB 2025

Date of Submission 10TH APR 2025

DECLARATION BY STUDENT:

1. I/we hold a copy of this project, which can be produced if the original is lost/damaged.
2. This project is my/our original work and no part of it has been copied from any other student’s work or from
any other source except where due acknowledgment is made.
3. No part of this project has been written for me/us by any other person except where such collaboration has been
authorized by the lecturer/teacher concerned and is clearly acknowledged in the project.
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5. This work may be reproduced and/or communicated for the purpose of detecting plagiarism.
6. I/we give permission for a copy of my/our marked work to be retained by the School for review by external
examiners.
7. I/we understand that plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is
your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the
Institute. Plagiarized material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including
electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not
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8. Enabling plagiarism is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarize or to copy your work.

. Signature:
Submitted date: 10th April 2025

Lecturer’s Signature Marks

STUDENT’S ATTENTION

Please make sure you are submitting your project on or before the deadline. 2.5% of marks
will be deducted for late submission till 7 days after which the project will not be accepted.
Table of Contents

SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................1

CURRENT STATUS OF DHUVAAFARU................................................................................1

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF TOURISM FOR DHUVAAFARU....................................................2

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY..................................................................................3

CULTURAL AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY..........................................................................4

ENGAGING LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS...................................................................................5

LEARNING OUTCOMES.....................................................................................................5

CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................6

REFERENCES.....................................................................................................................8
A Sustainable Tourism Plan for Dhuvaafaru Tourism Management

A Sustainable Tourism Plan for Dhuvaafaru

Summary

The centerpiece of this sustainable tourism plan for Dhuvaafaru Island is the
construction of a hybrid safari boat that blends modern comfort with traditional
Maldivian pole and line fishing techniques. With 12 well-furnished rooms, attached
toilets, a dining area, a lounge, and an observation deck, this boat is designed for both
comfort and culture. The front part is styled like a safari yacht to provide a relaxing
experience for tourists, while the rear section supports quick and authentic pole and
line tuna fishing, based on the Maldivian Mark 3 fishing boat design.

It’s built with a strong focus on sustainability, using a hybrid energy system that
combines solar and diesel to cut down on fuel use and lower its environmental
footprint. It has a speedboat that can accommodate up to five tourists and is outfitted
for both jigging and sports fishing. The entire tourist experience is improved by eco-
friendly waste management, modern safety equipment, and relaxing amenities.

By leveraging its rich fishing culture and marine resources, this plan aims to establish
Dhuvaafaru as a sustainable tourism destination that offers an authentic experience for
the tourists and visitors while promoting economic growth and social well-being
focused on fishing tourism. The idea underlines the engagement of local stakeholders,
ensuring economic benefits for the community and preservation of natural and
cultural resources.

Current Status of Dhuvaafaru

Situated in the Raa Atoll of the Maldives, Dhuvaafaru is famous for its fishing
community and rich marine resources. The community that settled in Dhuvaafaru is

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Kandholhudhoo islanders relocated following the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004. It

was a large-scale humanitarian operation run by the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to provide housing and livelihood
opportunities for the displaced population (Reed, 2008). Unlike other Maldivian
islands that have embraced resorts, guesthouses, or safari vessels, Dhuvaafaru remains
unexplored in terms of tourism infrastructure.

The island's economy continues to rely heavily on fishing, especially pole and line
tuna fishing, which remains a culturally significant and environmentally sustainable
practice. The fishing methods have changed dramatically over the years. One of the
active Dhuvaafaru fishermen, Mr. Abdulla Mufeed, claims that before the tsunami,
fishing was done in traditional boats (Dhivehi Masdhoani) of between 50 and 60 feet
in length, each accommodating roughly 10-12 fishermen. Nearly fifty fishing boats
were running in Kandholhudhoo at that moment. Although only 11 boats are currently
involved in pole-and-line fishing in Dhuvaafaru, with sizes ranging from 80 to 95 feet,
each accommodates 20 to 25 fishermen. This decline in the number of boats and
fishermen highlights the reduced participation of locals in fishing activities. Mr.
Mufeed stated that this decline is largely due to the uncertainty of achieving
sustainable income from fishing. As a result, as stated by Andrea Simonelli (2016)
many youngsters are shifting their focus towards jobs in the resort and hotelier
industries.

The absence of tourist facilities in Dhuvaafaru is both an opportunity and a challenge

to create a tourist model based on its fishing heritage.

Economic Benefits of Tourism for Dhuvaafaru

The Maldivian tourism sector generated over USD 4.5 billion in 2022, therefore an
increase of 28.21%, compared with 2021, according to the Ministry of Tourism
(2023). Dhuvaafaru can create new income sources and diversify its economy by
including fishing tourism based on hybrid safari boats.

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The suggested tourism model lets tourists enjoy sports fishing as well as conventional
pole and line tuna fishing. And it creates several income-generating streams for
Dhuvaafaru, such as boat tours, excursion trips, fishing expeditions, cultural tours,
accommodation, and related services. Future Market Insights (2025) estimates the
worldwide fishing tourism industry will grow from USD 89.8 billion in 2025 to USD
252.7 billion by 2035, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.9%.
Dhuvaafaru can draw visitors looking for genuine and environmentally friendly
experiences by exploiting this expanding market.

The development of tourism will provide local people with jobs such as boat
operators, tour guides, maintenance workers, cooks, administrative staff members, etc.
This job creation will immediately help in poverty alleviation and improved living
standards within the community. Higher income can also be put back into vital
services like education, healthcare, and conservation initiatives, so improving
community resilience and well-being.

Moreover, the presence of tourists can stimulate the development of complementary

industries, such as local crafts, food production, and other services. Such economic
diversification is critical for enhancing market access and ensuring the sustainability
of Dhuvaafaru’s economy.

Environmental Sustainability

By reducing ecological impact and supporting eco-friendly activities, the suggested

tourism strategy for Dhuvaafaru stresses environmental sustainability. In an article
published in nature.com website (2018), estimates that roughly 8% of world carbon
emissions come from the tourism sector, with transport being a key source. To
mitigate environmental impact, the hybrid safari boats will utilize a solar-diesel
hybrid energy system, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

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Additionally, all trash produced during fishing trips will also be gathered and returned
to the island for appropriate disposal. Harmful garbage or waste will not be dumped
into the sea under any circumstances, ensuring the preservation of marine ecosystems.
The use of single-use plastics will be rigorously prohibited in all fishing and tourism
activities.

Furthermore, the exclusive use of the traditional pole and line tuna fishing method
instead of modern floodlight techniques for catching bait helps preserve marine
biodiversity. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2020)
emphasizes that sustainable fishing methods are crucial for preserving healthy fish
populations and ecological harmony.

Cultural and Social Sustainability

The suggested tourism model for Dhuvaafaru emphasizes social and cultural
sustainability development. The initiative intends to increase cultural appreciation and
promote social unity by including local customs, knowledge, and skills in tourism
operations. Tourists will be able to interact with local fishermen, discover traditional
pole and line tuna fishing techniques, and get knowledge of the community's way of
life. This strategy encourages cultural interchange and awareness by letting tourists
value and respect the local culture.

As a result, the model supports the preservation and maintenance of traditional fishing
techniques, which are essential to Dhuvaafaru's cultural identity. Tourists will
discover the techniques, relevance, and historical value of these activities by means of
guided tours and practical experiences, ensuring their continuation for future
generations.

Revenue from tourist activities will be used to fund community development

programs like education, health care, and cultural preservation. This guarantees fair

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distribution of the benefits of tourism and their contribution to the general well-being
of the society.

Additionally, promoting social sustainability also means including local stakeholders

in decision-making processes. Encouraging community involvement guarantees that
the growth of tourism fits the requirements and desires of the local population. This
inclusive approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and pride but also
strengthens social bonds within the community.

Engaging Local Stakeholders

The effective implementation of this sustainable tourism idea in Dhuvaafaru hinges

on engaging local stakeholders. Throughout the development process, this plan places
a strong emphasis on the active participation of local authorities, fishermen, and other
relevant stakeholders. Community involvement guarantees that tourism activities
complement local needs, values, and aspirations.

Working with local fishermen is especially crucial since they have knowledge of the
surrounding marine environment and traditional fishing techniques. The strategy
promotes community ownership and pride by including people in decision-making
processes and offering chances for them to act as educators and guides for tourists.

And local authorities play a crucial role in regulating tourism activities, ensuring
compliance with environmental standards, and promoting safety. Their collaboration
will be essential for establishing guidelines and monitoring systems that prioritize
sustainable practices.

Stakeholder input will be collected via workshops, conferences, and consultations,

which will also help to address their issues. This inclusive strategy guarantees
openness and promotes mutual understanding between developers and the local
community. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) (2005)

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claims that including local players in tourism planning helps to improve social equity
and long-term sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

The suggested sustainable tourism strategy for Dhuvaafaru is anticipated to meet

numerous important learning objectives. The primary objective is to increase
understanding of how to build a tourist development framework that adheres to the
principles of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Developing a
tourism model based on traditional fishing practices would help stakeholders to
understand how to strike a balance between cultural preservation and contemporary
tourist expectations.

Secondly, the plan underlines the need to involve local stakeholders in the planning
and execution stage. Knowing how to properly include local authorities, community
members, and other stakeholders guarantees fairness, openness, and social harmony.
This inclusive approach promotes sustainable tourism practices that benefit all parties
involved.

The strategy also offers insightful guidance on putting eco-friendly tourism policies
into effect. Stakeholders can acquire useful knowledge on reducing the environmental
impact of tourist activities by means of eco-friendly techniques, waste management
systems, and compliance with laws and regulations.

Moreover, the plan emphasizes the need for revenue generation through niche tourism
markets. The strategy shows how rural communities can prosper economically by
drawing tourists interested in fishing expeditions and cultural activities, hence
retaining their distinctive cultural legacy.

Conclusion

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The execution of a sustainable tourism plan for Dhuvaafaru is anticipated to have

several advantages going beyond simple economic gains. The plan helps to preserve
the ecosystem by encouraging eco-friendly behaviors such as restricting single-use
plastics, following traditional bait-catching techniques, and making sure no harmful
waste is thrown in the ocean. The planning process also benefits from the involvement
of local stakeholders, which guarantees community involvement and empowerment
and hence promotes greater social cohesion and cultural preservation.

Furthermore, by using Dhuvaafaru's distinctive fishing legacy, the plan tackles

economic diversification and offers chances for more revenue generation, skill
development, and job creation. Dhuvaafaru might draw a rising market of eco-
conscious tourists looking for genuine cultural experiences by means of niche tourism
activities such as sports fishing and pole and line tuna fishing.

Generally, the plan seeks to create a balanced approach whereby the development of
tourism fits the values, traditions, and aspirations. Although issues with market access
and infrastructure growth still exist, the plan's emphasis on sustainability,
inclusiveness, and a strong foundation for attaining long-term success.

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References

Inc., F. M. (2025, March). Fishing Tourism Market Trends - Growth & Forecast 2025
to 2035. Retrieved from Future Market Insights:
https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/fishing-tourism-sector-
overview-and-analysis#:~:text=2025%20fishing%20tourism%20was
%20valued,10.9%25%20by%20the%20year%202035.

Lenzen, M., Sun, YY., Faturay, F. et al. (2018, May 2018). The carbon footprint of
global tourism. Retrieved from Nature Climate Change volume:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0141-x#citeas

Ministry of Tourism, Maldives. (2023). Tourism Year Book. Male': Tourism Research &
Statistics Section.

Nations, F. a. (2020). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020.

Sustainability in action. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations.

Reed, E. (2008, Aug 30). Maldives: Largest post-tsunami project handed to

government. Retrieved from reliefweb:
https://reliefweb.int/report/maldives/maldives-largest-post-tsunami-project-
handed-government

Simonelli, A. (2016). Good Fishing in Rising Seas: Kandholhudhoo, Dhuvaafaru, and

the Need for a Development-Based Migration Policy in the Maldives.

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ResearchGate.

World Tourism Organization. (2005). Making Tourism More Sustainable - A Guide for
Policy Makers. World Tourism Organization.

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