Local travel company Secret Paradise Maldives has been awarded the Travelife Partner level. The award recognises Secret Paradise’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Secret Paradise adheres to over 100 criteria relating to the operator’s office management, product range, international business partners, customer information and tour operations.
The Travelife Partner level is a globally recognised award given to travel operators who have demonstrated outstanding performance in responsibly managing their environmental and social impacts based on ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations.
Travelife Tour Operators Manager Naut Kusters said: “We are pleased to see sustainability gaining momentum in the tour operator sector and Secret Paradise’s Partner Award will inspire other businesses in the Maldives to follow the same path.”
Secret Paradise Maldives’ sustainability efforts encompass a wide range of practices, both in its operations and in its locally led tours and cruises. People have been at the heart of the operation since 2012, with a focus on talent development, local community engagement and guest education. Secret Paradise promotes positive encounters with marine life by working with local NGOs and marine organisations to follow their respective marine life codes of conduct, minimise disturbance to marine life and provide opportunities for guests to participate in citizen science. Hands-on, positive impact experiences, where guests take part in data collection, beach clean-ups, coral reef restoration and tree planting, contribute to conservation efforts.
Secret Paradise tours also include experiences where guests are immersed in local culture, traditions and daily life, developing a greater respect and understanding of the Maldivian way of life. Guests will discuss the environmental impact of tourism, including climate change, its impact on the Maldives and more sustainable ways to travel. Secret Paradise encourages guests to absorb, engage and explore, knowing they have cared for the Maldivian environment and contributed in a meaningful way.
Co-founder Ruth Franklin said, “Achieving the Travelife Partner level is a further milestone that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering responsible travel experiences. We take great pride in promoting sustainable practices in the Maldives and value the support of our NGO and marine organisation partners, as well as the local communities that welcome us and our guests to their islands. Our hope is to inspire our partners, guests and the tourism industry at large, and show that any business, regardless of 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 won a silver award in the Tourism that Respects Nature category at the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Responsible Tourism Awards. Offering locally led tours across the archipelago, we are mindful to promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through education of our team, guests and locals, we aim to protect the environment and leave a positive impact.
