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Full name (surname first): Mausoom, Abdulla
School/Department: Centre for Urban and Regional Studies
Full title of thesis/dissertation: The interdependency and the relationship between the government and the private
sector and their changing roles in the development of Enclave Micro Island Tourism in the Maldives.

Degree: PhD
Date of submission: 11 May 2004
Date of award of degree (leave blank):
Abstract (not to exceed 200 words - any continuation sheets must contain the author's full name and full title of the thesis/dissertation):
This thesis examines the interdependency and the relationship between the government and the private sector and their
changing roles in the development of Enclave Micro Island Tourism (EMIT) in the Maldives. This thesis is based on
existing literature and secondary data and, more significantly, empirical research conducted in the Maldives.
Since its inception in 1972, the development of EMIT has been led by the private sector who have continued
developing and managing Enclave Micro Island Resorts (EMIRs). The government was somewhat dormant in tourism
affairs until 1978. Since then, the government has become the planner, facilitator and regulator of the tourism industry
of the Maldives; and also has become engaged with the private sector in marketing and human resources development.
Paradoxically, the nature of the relationships that exist between the government and the private sector makes their
demarcation difficult. This has influenced both their respective and joint roles and enabled the EMIT in the Maldives
to be developed in contentment of major stakeholders. However, this does not necessarily mean that the nation as a
whole is getting tourisms potential benefits or that the Maldives is entirely immunised against the potential negative
impacts of tourism.