The Ministry of Tourism has opened invitations to community-based tourism islands in the Maldives to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to join the Best Tourism Villages 2023.
Best Tourism Villages is a programme launched by the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 2021 to encourage the use of tourism as a key resource for growth, development and healthy living. The tourism ministry opened the opportunity for eight islands to submit EOIs for the programme. As such, island councils have the opportunity to submit their names before 1200hrs on April 20.
Speaking at a press conference on the programme, Deputy Minister Asad Riza said there are more than 100 guesthouses in the country so far. As such he said that eight islands will be given the opportunity to participate in the programme if they meet the requirements of UNWTO.
The tourism ministry stated that a maximum of eight of the best islands will be nominated for the programme based on the extent to which they have contributed to the expansion of tourism. The tourism ministry will assist these islands in completing the required application form, candidacy document, video and general presentation.
So far, more than 70 islands in 40 countries have been identified under the programme. It will be open to UNWTO member countries and the selected islands are recognised as outstanding examples of tourism development worldwide, according to the ministry. In addition, the ministry said that the selected islands have the opportunity to participate in the Best Tourism Village network and conduct tourism-related programmes with other countries in the network. It will help promote the island and its tourism worldwide.