Tourism is the largest industry in the Maldives. It accounts for over 40 percent of the country’s GDP, supports about 16 percent of total employment and drives the development of associated tertiary sectors such as transport, distribution, real estate, and construction.
At Gili Lankanfushi, efforts are also taken to support and give back to the Maldivian community. For example, locals from the neighbouring island of Himmafushi are encouraged to apply for suitable vacancies as and when they arise in the resort. In the kitchen, fresh fish and other local produce are also purchased from Himmafushi in an effort to support small local businesses there.
Ajfaan Ahmed, a Himmafushi resident who works as a steward in Gili Lankanfushi’s culinary team, is an example of someone who has benefited from the resort’s outreach programme. He says, “I come from a family of 10 people who live in Himmafushi. I am married and my wife is taking care of our two year-old daughter at home. When I am off work, I can take the ferry back home easily and spend time with them.”
