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From Stars to Sustainability: An Integrated Analysis of Sustainable Practices and Environmental Policies in Maldives Resorts

Author

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  • Paolo Galli

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
    MaRHE Center (Marine Research and Higher Education), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives)

  • Eleonora Concari

    (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
    MaRHE Center (Marine Research and Higher Education), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives)

  • Diana Cerini

    (Department of Law, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy)

  • Erika Scuderi

    (Department of Law, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy)

  • Federica Doni

    (Department of Business and Law, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy)

  • Shazla Mohamed

    (Research Development Office, The Maldives National University, Rahdhebai Higun, Machangolhi, Malé 20371, Maldives)

  • M. Sami Zitouni

    (College of Engineering and IT, University of Dubai, Dubai 14143, United Arab Emirates)

  • Hussain Al Ahmad

    (College of Engineering and IT, University of Dubai, Dubai 14143, United Arab Emirates)

  • Alessandro Gabbiadini

    (Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

The present work analyzed sustainability practices and environmental policies in the Maldives’ tourism sector, focusing on resorts classified using star ratings. Using a mixed-method approach, we examined sustainability reports from 133 resorts, analyzing textual and visual content to identify reporting patterns. For both the thematic and visual analyses, we used OpenAI’s GPT-4 custom models, available on the ChatGPT Pro platform. The results revealed significant differences in how sustainability was communicated and implemented across the resort categories: six-star resorts promoted sustainability as part of a luxury experience, emphasizing environmental branding and exclusivity; five-star resorts combined operational sustainability with attention to customer satisfaction and employee welfare; and lower-rated resorts prioritized resource efficiency, waste management, and community-based practices. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive sustainability adoption across all resort categories to address the Maldives’ unique environmental challenges. This study contributes to understanding sustainable tourism in small island nations, highlighting the need for consistent, transparent sustainability reporting standards aligned with international frameworks. It also offers policy recommendations to improve the environmental stewardship of the Maldivian tourism industry, essential for its long-term ecological and economic sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Paolo Galli & Eleonora Concari & Diana Cerini & Erika Scuderi & Federica Doni & Shazla Mohamed & M. Sami Zitouni & Hussain Al Ahmad & Alessandro Gabbiadini, 2025. "From Stars to Sustainability: An Integrated Analysis of Sustainable Practices and Environmental Policies in Maldives Resorts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-25, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5191-:d:1672194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nagalingam Nagendrakumar & Kalubowilage Navodya Nilupulee Alwis & Udage Arachchige Kaveesha Eshani & Seekku Baduge Ushani Kaushalya, 2022. "The Impact of Sustainability Practices on the Going Concern of the Travel and Tourism Industry: Evidence from Developed and Developing Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-21, December.
    2. Scott, Antony, 1999. "Trust law, sustainability, and responsible action," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 139-154, October.
    3. Erasmia Papallou & Martha Katafygiotou & Thomas Dimopoulos, 2024. "Emerging Sustainability Trends in Tourist Facilities: A Comparative Assessment of Multiple Hotels and Resorts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-19, April.
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