4 independent reviews for Maldives budget small group tour

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your valuable feedback. I wanted to get back to you regarding your comments on plastics and the way that our tour impacts on the local environment. I think it is important to note that it is not just about education and awareness of our business and our clients, but also an education and awareness of the local community. Local Island tourism is less than 3 years old and many concerns that travelers raise – rubbish, potential health and safety risks based on the western world, water usage etc… existed before local island tourism was even thought about, because for the locals that was their world and they didn't/don’t know any different. Since the introduction of local island tourism improvements by the local community particularly on islands such as Maafushi which has a large tourism industry now have been made and are continuing to be made. When we first visited at the beginning of 2012 every street was littered, now the island has a rubbish collection system and the streets are maintained. It may not be 100% perfect but it is a huge step forward. Unfortunately, however, until there is a national waste scheme to deal with the tons of rubbish produced the bigger picture issue will not be resolved. With regards to fishing, again I have seen it myself where the anchor is just thrown overboard with no care for the coral. Most fishermen, even those who perhaps work with the tourism industry, do not understand or appreciate the importance of the coral reefs to the Maldives. To them it is not the wonder and beauty that we as tourists see it but as a habitat from which they gain finance – lobsters, octopus, fish. Fortunately, however, coral does grow back. A reef off an island in South Ari Atoll was decimated by developers throwing building rubble and concrete on to it. However, 4 years later it is an amazing table coral garden. If our guides witnesses bad practice then he will at an appropriate time highlight it with the individual concerned, tourist, supplier or operator. Should an operator/supplier repeat this practice then our local manager will get involved to ensure it isn't repeated. The Maldives authorities have taken some positive measures in order to protect exploitation of the marine environment. Among this includes protected marine sites, prohibition of catching turtles and other endangered species, and banning shark fishing (although it does still happen illegally). The whole idea of this tour itinerary in the Maldives is to stay on local islands rather than luxury resort islands that may be internationally owned by major hotel chains. Through doing this, we aim to: Use locally owned infrastructure. • To help put profits into local hands in order that they can benefit directly • To use services developed and managed by locals Provide employment and business opportunities for local people. Respect local customs and culture. • We want our guests to learn about local customs and cultural practices whilst respecting local dress and behaviour requirements Limit the physical impact of trips and work with our partners to educate and improve awareness within local community. • Wherever possible travel by public and not private transport. • Encourage our guests to deal with waste appropriately, lead by example and where possible take plastic waste home (mentioned in our welcome letter) • Brief our snorkellers on reef etiquette • Coach and educate our suppliers and local partners. I hope the above information is helpful in explaining how we try to limit our impact on the local environment of the Maldives when operating our tours.