Various tourism advocacy organizations and associations of Maldives has united in working alongside the government to overcome the economic recess caused by the ongoing global pandemic.
Since March 2020, the most active organizations and associations bodies have united their efforts in finding solutions for the industry in coordination with the government of Maldives. The key organisations include Guest House Association of Maldives (GAM), Maldives Association of Travel and Tourism (MATATO), Association of Travel Agent (ATA) , National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), Divers Association of Maldives (DAM) and Maldives Association of Yacht Agent (MAYA).
Prior to the Lockdown in March, the Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Commissioner of Taxation from Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) also met to discuss the ongoing issues. The meeting focused on discussing the challenges faced by the tourism industry due to the pandemic and possible solutions for it.
Although the tourism associations accepts the government relief plans such as the moratorium and relief loans are competent, they believe certain changes need to be brought to the amounts and entitlement of these loans. They also emphasized on the need for early distribution of loans.
As the government of Maldives expects to open the borders of Maldives by the end of June or July 2020, the tourism associations are ready to unite forces and work alongside the government. Therefore, the situations are being analysed daily while monitoring and discussing the changes in the industry through digital meetings. The associations believe that the efforts do not differentiate the status of a person as these unprecedented times require the industry to cooperate and work together.
Tourism being the backbone of the Maldives’ economy, the united efforts of everyone is significant to overcome the common challenges. The industry experts believe that the proper precautionary measures must be taken to revive the tourism industry and open the shores of Maldives.
