Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated the government is working to obtain the funds needed for the state without shutting down resorts. He made the remarks while responding to questions at the Parliament of the Maldives regarding the government’s response to resort businesses that have failed to make their lease payments.
Speaking at the Parliament, Minister Mausoom said the government has sent notices to 18 resorts that have failed to pay their lease and that it does not yet wish to take drastic measures such as revoking licenses and shutting down the businesses, due to its potential negative impact on the economy. The minister said the government is currently negotiating with the businesses on ways to obtain the funds needed for the state.
Furthermore, Minister Mausoom acknowledged that giving leeway to the resort businesses is not a permanent solution and that the government is ready to take more drastic steps if needed. He noted that the Maldives receives the most revenue from the tourism sector and said that he refuses to use tourism as a political weapon.
Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has publicised the names of 12 resorts that have failed to pay their leases, as part of its Name and Shame policy. The list includes some of the most popular resorts in the Maldives.