The islandchief

How can the Maldives elevate its appeal to 'foodie' travelers who seek sustainable, authentic/traditional, and visually unique experiences? What strategies can be implemented to attract and engage this growing segment of gastronomy enthusiasts in the Maldives?

PUBLISHED October 06, 2024

Maha Naseer

Executive Chef

MMPRC Board Director

To attract food enthusiasts interested in authentic cultural experiences and visually captivating encounters in the Maldives, the country can adopt the following approaches: Encouraging the Enjoyment of Local Dishes: Highlight cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Arrange food festivals to showcase both dishes and chefs' skills. Collaborate with renowned chefs to create fusion cuisine that reflects regional flavors. Eco-Friendly Practices: Work with local farmers and fishermen for sustainable ingredient sourcing. Promote farm-to-table dining experiences and implement eco-friendly practices, such as reducing food waste and using biodegradable containers. Innovative Dining Adventures: Offer cooking lessons and culinary excursions. Organize dining experiences that combine food with cultural shows and storytelling. Interaction and Promotion: Leverage social media to showcase unique dining experiences. Partner with food bloggers, influencers, and travel writers to highlight the Maldives' culinary adventures. Promote sustainability through targeted marketing efforts. Culinary Travel Packages: Develop travel packages that include cooking lessons, culinary tours, and exclusive dining experiences. Collaborate with travel agencies to market these packages. By implementing these strategies, the Maldives can attract food enthusiasts with a mix of eco-friendly practices, authentic flavors, and visually appealing dining experiences.

Ahmed Samaan Abdulla

Operations Manager

Kabowl

Food is an important part of a traveler’s experience. As for the Maldives, the appeal for “foodie travelers” can be approached by showcasing the Maldivian Cuisine with a twist, by focusing on local dishes such as Garudhiya, Mas Huni, Kandu Kukulhu and so on. Interactive experiences with the travelers can also be incorporated into their travel. For example, conducting cooking classes with local chefs on traditional dishes or meals can be a part of their experience. Additionally, we can have a good social media presence to reach out to foodie travelers, allowing them to visually experience the unique dining experience. For instance, focusing on an island specific dining experience, where specific dishes are served can be documented through Instagram photos and reels. To offer sustainable dining experiences, resorts can promote and support the local communities in curating an authentic experience with locally sourced ingredients. It could also include background stories of dishes and how locals used to hunt and gather food. Travel operators can also offer dining experiences with local families in their houses to experience a traditional, home cooked meal. While there are so many ways, we can reach out to the foodies to elevate, sustain and make their experience unique, these are a few examples that can be implemented.

Mariyam Noordeen

President

Chefs Guild of Maldives

The Maldives can enhance its appeal to "foodie" travelers by showcasing traditional cuisine, embracing sustainable farm-to-table practices, and offering immersive experiences like cooking classes with local chefs. To attract gastronomy enthusiasts, the Maldives could organize food festivals, promote eco-friendly dining, and collaborate with renowned chefs at resorts to create visually stunning dishes that reflect the region's culture. Strengthening marketing strategies that highlight the fusion of food, sustainability, and luxury will further engage this growing segment.

Fathmath Umar

Culinary Lecturer

Villa College

The Maldives can elevate its appeal to foodie travelers by showcasing traditional Maldivian cuisine with modern twists, emphasizing sustainable, farm-to-table dining, and creating visually stunning experiences like underwater and beach-to-table restaurants. Strategies to engage this segment include offering culinary workshops with local chefs, organizing food festivals and promoting sustainable fishing practices. Collaborations with local producers and international chefs, alongside targeted marketing campaigns, will further enhance its appeal. These efforts can position the Maldives as a premier destination for gastronomic enthusiasts seeking authenticity and eco-conscious dining.

Mohamed Shujau(Med)

Japanese Chef de Cuisine

Kalhu Odi, CROSSROADS Maldives

By promoting currently available organic products and standardizing their packaging for the international market, we can create modern recipes using local products and label them with a brief description and history. Strategies: ● Shift our food consumption patterns by growing our own food with traditional fertilization techniques passed down by grandparents. ● Start educating preschool children about sustainability and the future benefits of organic products for a healthier life. ● Private companies should invest in sustainability projects to reduce food waste and adopt clean energy technologies. ● The government should provide grants to households practicing sustainability, monitored by island councils, to encourage local food production.