Tourism Security Seminar 5-6 April 2011 Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture

 Introduced in 1972  2 Resorts – Male’ Atoll  270 Beds  1097 arrivals  Maldives is popularly known for its one island one resort concept Destination Maldives - Background

25,591 beds distributed in: 97 Resorts: 21,232 beds 156 Safari Vessels: 2,434 beds 17 Hotels: 1,449 beds 25 Guest Houses: 476 beds ( guest houses and hotels in inhabited islands) Accommodation Type and Bed capacity in 2010

Visitor Profile 2009 &  Europe ~70.5%  Asia Pacific ~25%  Americas ~2.3%  Middle East ~1.5%  Africa ~0.8% 2010  Europe ~ 63.8%  Asia Pacific ~ 31.6%  Americas ~ 2.3%  Middle East ~ 1.5%  Africa ~ 0.7%

WHAT IS TOURISM TO MALDIVES  The main economic sector Government Revenue : 26% GDP Contribution: 28.7% Foreign Exchange: 70% The biggest foreign exchange earner A strong direct and indirect employer A stimulus to other industries to survive and prosper

Tourist Arrivals & Bed Capacity

Bed Occupancy

Reasons for choosing Maldives over other Destinations Tourist Opinion Survey 2008

Purpose of Visiting Maldives Tourist Opinion Survey 2008

Tourist Activities Tourist Opinion Survey 2008

Vision: To be the best example of sustainable tourism development - a nation with an economically profitable tourism industry in harmony with its natural environment, cultural resources, and the values of its people. Mission : Improve the quality of life of the Maldivian people by optimizing and balancing the economic, environmental, and socio-cultural benefits of tourism, with equitable distribution of these benefits to the society, while minimizing the possible negative impacts of tourism. Tourism Vision & Mission

Under this mission : Tourism is planned to go to communities directly benefit the local population stimulate the island economies

Tourist Distribution  A tourist population of more than 25,000 could be resident in Maldives at a given time In resorts, hotels, guest houses, floating vessels  Additionally a number of tourists may reside in the country: passenger liners luxury super yachts Small yachts crossing / bunkering

 Over 78 Tourism projects in the pipeline  17 Atolls (total beds)  Direct employment opportunities (estimated: 44,250 )  New Developments  Innovative products  Floating developments  Luxury Villas in inhabited islands  Hotels and Guest houses in inhabited islands

1-Upper North Province Local Islands Resorts New Resorts Dive Sites Est beds Reg. 456 beds Local Islands Resorts New Resorts

2-North Province Est beds Reg beds

3- North Central Province Est. 600 beds Reg. 16,283 beds

4-Central Province Est. 480 beds Reg beds

5-South central Existing Islands Resorts New Resorts Dive Sites Est beds Reg. 0 beds

6-Upper South Existing Islands Resorts New Resorts Dive Sites Est beds Reg. 250 beds

7-South Province Existing Islands Resorts New Resorts Dive Sites Est. 220 beds Reg. 986 beds

Tourist transport  seaplane  boat  scheduled domestic airlines

Why a Tourism Security Seminar? Urgency to meet current tourism security Challenges; global terrorism and white collar crimes the escalating tourism related incidents Identify and prioritize the current security challenges Suggest actions /solutions Past Efforts in Tourism Security Security workshop held in May 2008 following Sultan Park incident in 2007 Number of security issues highlighted Formulated a draft tourism security plan

Highlights of Issues Identified In The Draft Tourism Security Plan  Threats to property and tourists (easy access to resorts by sea, territorial issues, threats from inhabitants)  Issues relating neighbouring islands (territorial issues and anti social behaviour towards property and visitor )  Issues related to Staff : Threats to the management by unhappy or dismissed employees Drug issues in the workplace Involvement of staff in Crimes  Security in the transportation system  Communication between the tourism establishment and concerned authorities  Lack of a destination sensitised media

Recommended Measures From The Draft Tourism Security Plan   Establish proper security mechanisms at tourist properties  Strengthen security at all airports  Establish proper mechanisms to liaise in relation to incidents  Strengthen sea /air transport security  Establish mechanism to prevent issues arising from neighboring islands  Establish a mechanism for screening/verifying records of recruiting staff  Formulation of relevant regulations in relation to all the above where relevant

Thank you Security Your contribution will finally help us  To formulate an action plan  To draft a framework for the security of the tourism indu Today we are again gathered to discuss gaps based on current scenario. We are here to share information and assess the situation The continued success of Maldives as a competitive destination depends on addressing all challenges