Secret Paradise Maldives trains community tour guides in Kanditheemu
Secret Paradise Maldives partnered with the Blue Guild Foundation (BGF), Kanditheemu Island Council and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) to deliver a three-day Tour Guide Foundation Skills training programme as part of the “Visit Kanditheemu: A Community-Driven Future”project.
Funded by the Australian High Commission Direct Aid Programme, the “Rah Thayyaru!” workshop supported 15 local participants, including entrepreneurs, vendors and school leavers, with the practical skills and confidence needed to develop professional, safe and responsible tourism experiences.
The training programme launched by Secret Paradise Maldives in late 2024, combines interactive classroom sessions with practical field exercises. Participants explored the role of a professional tour guide, focusing on essential skills including effective communication, guest engagement, safety management and responsible tour operations.
A key focus of the programme is ensuring that tourism growth in the Maldives is guided by responsible tourism principles. Participants learned how guides can become ambassadors for their communities and the environment through responsible tourism practices, including how to share information with guests, marine life codes of conduct awareness and the Green Fins Snorkelling Code of Conduct.
Through group discussions, presentations and practical guiding scenarios, participants developed confidence in creating and delivering safety briefings, tour briefings, standard operating practises, and managing guest expectations,
“Strong local tourism starts with investing in people. Tour guides are often the first point of connection between visitors and communities, and their knowledge, communication skills and understanding of responsible tourism play a vital role in shaping positive experiences,” said Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives. ‘Kanditheemu is at the beginning of its tourism journey, and supporting the community with these foundations helps ensure future tourism development is locally led, environmentally conscious and benefits the island for years to come.”
Chairperson of the Blue Guild Foundation, Mohamed Areesh said the project reinforced Blue Guild Foundations’ mission to foster resilient, self-sufficient communities across the Maldives through strategic partnerships. “The workshop was very successful and we achieved our objective of providing the community with the practical tools, skills necessary to design and manage successful tourism businesses, while preserving the island’s heritage,” he said.
The training forms part of Secret Paradise Maldives’ ongoing commitment to strengthening capacity within the local tourism sector. Together with their work experience programme, they aim to support skills development and encourage greater responsible tourism practises within the local tourism industry. By investing in the next generation of Maldivian guides, the programme helps create meaningful opportunities for communities while ensuring visitors experience the Maldives through knowledgeable, confident and responsible local hosts.
Secret Paradise Maldives is a locally owned positive impact tour company specialising in authentic island experiences, marine conservation, educational travel and community-based tourism. Since 2012, the company has worked with local communities and conservation partners to promote sustainable tourism in the Maldives, creating experiences that support people, protect the environment and celebrate Maldivian culture.
