Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated the guesthouses in the Maldives have lost USD 30 million in revenue amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a virtual reception held with the permanent representatives at the United Nations on the occasion of the Independance Day of the Maldives, Minister Shahid noted people all over the world have been severely impacted by the pandemic as air travel stopped with the closing of the borders. He added the Maldives also took a very difficult measure in closing its borders for three months, considering the country's dependency solely on tourism, noting the measure was deemed necessary to ensure there is no outbreak of COVID-19 in the Maldives. He said the time allowed the government to install relevant medical facilities to treat COVID-19 patients.
Moreover, the foreign minister added 35% of the total revenue the Maldives generates is from the tourism sector and the pandemic has cost jobs of the people working in guesthouses and supply chain businesses. Stating the future looks bleak, Minister Shahid called on the representatives to work together and assist the fight against COVID-19. In this regard, he said collaborative efforts are also essential in an effort to reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the United Nations has always been a partner in social and economic development of the Maldives and had provided essential assistance at times of crisis.
The virtual meeting was attended by the President of the United Nations General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and 100 permanent representatives.