Secret Paradise awarded Travelife Partner Level for sustainable tourism

Local tour company Secret Paradise Maldives has been awarded Travelife Partner level. This award recognises the long-term efforts of Secret Paradise in relation to sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. Secret Paradise complies with more than 100 criteria, related to an operator’s office management, product range, international business partners, customer information and tour operation.

The Travelife Partner level is a globally recognised accolade presented to tour operators that demonstrate exceptional performance in managing their environmental and social impacts responsibly under the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labour relation.

Naut Kusters, Manager Travelife for Tour Operators, states, “I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operator sector is obtaining momentum. The Partner award of Secret Paradise will inspire other companies in the Maldives to follow the same path.”

Secret Paradise Maldives’ sustainability initiatives encompass a wide range of practices both operationally and within their locally led tours and cruises. With a strong focus on people development, local community engagement, and guest education, people have been at the heart of their business since 2012. Collaborating with local NGOs and marine organisations, Secret Paradise promotes positive marine life encounters by following respective marine life codes of conduct, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life, and providing opportunities for guests to participate in citizen science. Hands-on, positive impact experiences contribute to conservation efforts, with guests involved in data capture, beach cleans, coral reef rehabilitation, and tree planting.

Secret Paradise tours also include experiences that immerse guests in local culture, traditions, and daily life, fostering respect and understanding for the Maldivian way of life. Guests are engaged in discussions about the environmental impact of tourism, including climate change, its impact on the Maldives, and ways they can travel more sustainably. Secret Paradise invites guests to absorb, engage and explore, leaving the Maldives having trodden lightly on its environment and contributed in a meaningful way

Co-Founder, Ruth Franklin, said, “Achieving Travelife Partner Level is a further milestone that affirms our ongoing commitment to delivering responsible travel experiences. We take immense pride in championing sustainable practices in the Maldives and value the support of our NGO and marine organisation partners, as well as the local communities who welcome us and our guests to their islands. Our hope is that we inspire our partners, guests, and the tourism industry at large, showcasing that any business, regardless of its size, can make a positive impact.”

Sustainable and Responsible tourism has been an integral part of Secret Paradise’s business model since 2012. In 2023, Secret Paradise Maldives was awarded silver at the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Responsible Tourism Awards in the category of Best for Nature-Positive Tourism.Providing locally led tours throughout the archipelago, they are mindful of ensuring they promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through the education of their team, guests and locals, they aim to protect the environment and leave a positive impact.