| Long famed as an escape for the rich and | | | | fish, and the island is understandably keen to |
| famous, the island nation of the Maldives has | | | | preserve these natural wonders for future |
| opened up to more visitors in recent years, | | | | generations to see. |
| allowing people of all budgets to sample unique | | | | While the natural beauty of the Maldives is |
| experiences in the Indian Ocean. The growth of | | | | certainly a major draw for travellers, that doesn't |
| the tourism industry in the Maldives has had many | | | | mean its developed cities are any less welcoming |
| beneficial effects for the nation, particularly as it | | | | or fascinating for cultural explorers. Flights to Male, |
| aims to stave off the effects of global warming | | | | the capital of the Maldives, open up a new range |
| that could pose a significant danger to the | | | | of experiences for visitors, who may find |
| low-lying atolls over the next few decades. | | | | themselves unprepared for the colourful buildings |
| By visiting the Maldives and supporting its hotels, | | | | and striking architecture that await them. |
| resorts and local vendors, you can do your bit to | | | | Male is home to popular tourist attractions such as |
| further sustainable travel in the region. While the | | | | the National Museum, featuring a wealth of cultural |
| Maldives previously held a reputation as an | | | | treasures, and the historic Friday Mosque which is |
| expensive destination, these premium rates are | | | | a top destination for both religious and secular |
| occasionally necessary to provide a much-needed | | | | travellers. The city's local markets are the perfect |
| boost to industries, especially as much of the | | | | place to find mementos of your holiday in the |
| country's food and materials have to be imported. | | | | Maldives, which can be bought from local vendors |
| However, by taking part in sustainable activities | | | | using naturally-sourced materials to help reduce |
| and offering their help for worthy causes, visitors | | | | your carbon footprint even further, and help you |
| could find their costs reduced significantly as they | | | | rest easy knowing your trip to the Maldives has |
| get more out of their trip than just sightseeing or | | | | made a positive difference for the future of the |
| sunbathing. | | | | island nation. |
| Even as luxury resorts continue to spring up at | | | | Disclaimer: The information contained within this |
| destinations around the Maldives, the local climate | | | | article is the opinion of the author and is intended |
| doesn't have to pay a price, thanks to | | | | purely for information and interest purposes only. |
| tree-planting initiatives and measures to preserve | | | | It should not be used to make any decisions or |
| the indigenous wildlife. Many visitors flock to the | | | | take any actions. Any links are included for |
| Maldives to swim among its bounteous marine life, | | | | information purposes only. |
| including turtles and a dazzling range of colourful | | | | |