Exploration of Growth Strategies for Faunu Travels PVT. LTD. in The Safari Industry: Alternative Tourism Development in The Maldives

Maseeh, M (2012) Exploration of Growth Strategies for Faunu Travels PVT. LTD. in The Safari Industry: Alternative Tourism Development in The Maldives. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

On 15 December 2010, Maldives welcomed a record 750,000th visitor to its borders. Maldives continue to be regarded as a successful tourist destination and the country’s popularity has been rapidly rising. However, despite the swift progress in the Maldivian tourism industry, the markets and products are not adequately diversified.

Research for this study concentrated on the Maldivian safari industry and, in particular, whether Faunu Travels Pvt. Ltd., an established company in this industry, had the opportunity to offer alternative forms of tourism products to potential tourists. The study provides insight on how alternative tourism development can assist the progress of the tourism industry of Maldives. In particular, the study examines how the current safari operators and government officials perceive the issue of developing the safari industry in a country where the tourism-industry development is based mainly on resort tourism.

The data for this study were collected by means of a 28 field questionnaire administered to a sample of 21 randomly selected tourists visiting the Maldives. Interviews were also held with key tourism practitioners representing the government and private sector.



The major finding does not support the hypothesis that Maldivian tourism is facing major competition. It also does not support the hypothesis that the safari industry is in need of urgent diversification. The study revealed that the safari industry had an important role in the Maldivian economy. However, it also showed major differences in discourse and foresight from the private and government representatives. The findings revealed that companies face difficulties concerning infrastructure, employment and pollution in this industry.

The study concludes that it is currently not conducive for Faunu Travels Pvt. Ltd. to offer alternative tourism. The current environmental constraints allow minimal variations to the tourism product and Faunu Travels Pvt. Ltd. should concentrate on existing markets.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 07 Jan 2013 16:49
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2018 13:31
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/25676

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