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Recently, Maldives officially launched Homestay Tourism, bringing forth a disruptive step forward in the booming tourism industry as part of its efforts to implement various forms of tourism in the country.
You might wonder what homestay tourism is since it is a relatively new concept that has been introduced to the tourism sphere. To put into simple words, a homestay is when you stay in another person’s home when you travel.
Now the question may arise, on how this will work and how it can benefit the traveler.
In this article, we will be focusing on the 4 reasons why homestay tourism in the Maldives will be a success and why this will become the new way to travel.
Cultural experience
Most of us travel to get away from home, and experience what destinations have to offer. Homestay tourism will give you the opportunity to connect with the local community and receive a greater cultural experience than someone renting out a whole property or bedroom.
Despite being a small country, Maldives has a lot of attractions and sights that will pique the interest of travelers.
By staying in the home of a local family, travelers get the chance to learn a new language by interacting with the locals, learn about the local way of life and history. Staying on the local islands and homes will give you an insight into life in the Maldives that very few people have experienced so far.
One of the most distinctive soundscapes associated with travel in the Islamic world is the call to prayer (adhan), recited five times each day. As Maldives is a Muslim country, rest be assured, the call to prayer will be delivered five times a day. Non-Muslim festivities such as Christmas and Thanksgiving are not celebrated in local islands unlike in resorts. Travelers are welcome to engage in a dialogue—learn more about the religion and visit religious sites in the scattered pearl-like islands.
Affordable stay: perfect for budget travelers and alike
As the islands in the Maldivian archipelago are scattered throughout the Indian Ocean, you can bet; that your stay on a local island in a homestay will give you the opportunity to relax, de-stress and rejuvenate in peace.
Travelers visit Maldives simply to enjoy the sun, sea and sand—Morning strolls in the dusk with dark green vegetation surrounding you, head over to the beach; take a dip in the azure blue waters and see the diverse marine life. Modest dressing is mandatory for all visitors and locals alike in the Maldives; though some islands offer a private beach space for bikini wearers.
Finding an affordable travel option to the three times winner of the World’s leading destination has become easier. Aside from resorts and guesthouses, homestay offers good value accommodations for travelers. Now travelers don’t have to worry about the cost and can travel to the island destination; or even go on island hopping; a recommended option for those who wish to visit multiple islands in one visit.
Provides an avenue to demonstrate the good side of Islam – fights Islamophobia
Getting the exposure to the local way of life and interactions with locals, is a great way to demonstrate the peaceful side of practicing Islam as a religion and will assist to fight against Islamophobia. Experiencing what local communities in Maldives has to offer, travelers will have a better understanding and outlook of how Islam is practiced in the country and the laws which are implemented.
Healthier lifestyle
One of the best perks to staying at a local home is that you get to try out the different cuisines prepared by the family or the local community. The flavours and techniques used to cook up the dishes vary from each atoll, depending on the influence it has had over the years. Hence, travelers get to go on a journey and try out tantalizing unique dishes only available in Maldives like the traditional feast consisting of rice, rihaakuru (fish paste), garudhiya (fish broth), masfaiy (dried tuna and moringa mix) and other condiments.
For the Muslim travelers; rest be assured, all meals are halal as consumption and provision of alcohol and pork is prohibited in local islands. The meals are also a way to try out and adopt a healthier eating lifestyle as the main staple of food in Maldives is fish and the produce grown in the islands.
Having said all that, the introduction of ‘homestay tourism’ in Maldives will be a success as it creates the opportunity for many travelers who have been unable to travel to the destination due to multiple reasons, to come and enjoy what the sunny side of life has to offer.
