A Paradise Lost: The Maldives Tourism Scandal, 2018

Approximate Committee Size: 28 Delegates

In 2018, the beautiful beaches of the Maldives were struck by something far more serious than a gang of tourists. In a country famous for its natural beauty and resort lifestyle, the tourism industry is enormously lucrative and a lifeline for many. There are consequently incentives for developers and others involved in the industry to take extreme measures to secure success. In 2018, this came to light when it was discovered that over 50 islands and coral reefs, the heart of the Maldivian ecosystem, were handed over to developers and other large companies in secret backroom deals. This blatant disregard for transparency exposed the deep-rooted corruption within the country's tourism sector, the driving force of its economy. Millions of dollars from these shady lease agreements — totaling over $75 million — vanished into thin air.  Investigative journalists later revealed that these funds had been siphoned off to corrupt officials and used to bribe politicians, including former president Abdulla Yameen. It is in this context that delegates will take on the roles of senior figures in the government and tourism industry as they work to respond to the disaster and restore international confidence in the island’s tourism sector. In doing so, they will have to consider how best to balance the dual needs of allowing future development while ensuring it takes place in a fair manner that benefits the people of the Maldives above all.

CHAIR: Amy Liu

Crisis Manager: Ishan Datey

ISSUES TO CONSIDER

Addressing Corruption in the Maldives Government

Restoring International Confidence in the Tourism Industry

Natural Resource Exploitation and Environment Conservation

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • The effect political corruption has on public perceptions of the government, and the resulting implications for national stability. 

  • The extent to which the tourism industry affects actors and institutions worldwide. 

  • The environmental implications of tourism and the financial incentives that often lead to environmental devastation.

About the Chair

Amy Liu is in the McDonough School of Business Class of 2027, majoring in Business and Global Affairs and minoring in Statistics. She is from San Jose, California and competed in Model UN all throughout high school. At Georgetown, Amy is involved with the marketing team of Students of Georgetown Inc, the MSB Peer Ambassador Program, and the Asian American Students Association. In her free time, Amy enjoys exploring cafes around DC, photography, and eating (way too much) Chipotle. Amy is excited to bring the Maldives Tourism Scandal to life and can’t wait for NAIMUN LXII.

About the Crisis Manager

Ishan Datey is in the School of Foreign Service Class of 2025, majoring in Science Technology, and International Affairs and minoring Religion, Ethics, and World Affairs. He is from South Riding, Virginia, which is about an hour out from D.C. Ishan is a former NCSC USG (shoutout to JCC) and has staffed multiple conferences with Georgetown. Ishan spends most of his time grinding homework for classes (who isn’t), but outside of school you can find him at the many Dharmic/South Asian events on campus, hanging out at the library (pretending) to work with friends, and occasionally holed up in his room playing the latest video games.