News Desk
Local tourism in B atoll Fulhadhoo is growing, and the island council has moved to safeguard local decency and community sentiment as visitor numbers rise.
Residents had raised repeated concerns about tourists wearing bikinis and other revealing clothing in public areas. The council said it had tried several times to address the issue through awareness and guidance, but the problem continued. As a result, the council has decided to introduce a fine for tourists who dress in ways that go against local social norms. The decision takes effect from today.
Fulhadhoo, home to around 300 people, is one of the islands where community based tourism is expanding, and it is also known for its striking natural beauty. The island’s long stretch of soft white sand, its calm crystal clear lagoon and its untouched atmosphere make it a jewel among local islands, drawing visitors who value quiet, natural settings. Similar concerns have been raised in other islands, including a petition submitted to Majlis calling for clearer national guidance on tourists wearing bikinis or going semi‑nude in public spaces.
These issues tend to arise in islands where guesthouses and homestays are developing quickly. Even with designated bikini beaches available, some visitors still walk into public areas dressed in ways that do not align with local customs. Councils say the aim is to maintain harmony between visitors and island communities while supporting the Maldives’ growing local tourism sector.
