MALE’, Maldives — In the Maldives, a nation of 500,000 scattered across coral atolls, tourism drives the economy, generating a quarter of the country’s GDP in U.S. dollars. Few small nations match this foreign currency inflow, fueled by luxury resorts that attract millions annually. Yet, for local workers who sustain this industry, the benefits are dwindling. While foreign investors enjoy robust protections, the “resort boys and girls” — rigorously trained hospitality staff — face job insecurity and declining wages, raising questions about who truly reaps the rewards of this dollar-driven prosperity. The tourism sector, largely controlled by foreign-owned resorts, operates … Continue reading Maldives’ Tourism Wealth: Dollars Flow In, Locals Lose Out