The Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the Maldives' socioeconomic conditions can be returned to normalcy only by listening to Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).
The economy of the tourism-dependent Indian Ocean archipelago has been hit hard as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATI has criticized the economic relief package introduced by the government to mitigate the damage caused by the pandemic, and some government officials have expressed their distress over MATI.
Speaking at Tuesday's parliament sitting, Speaker Nasheed said no forecast has been prepared by the Tourism Ministry or the Maldives Tourism and PR Corporation (MMPRC) on a date on which the tourism industry can be re-opened once again, and when its fruits can be reaped. Nasheed said while the task of conducting a study on the matter has been handed over to the Maldives National University, the progress of the project must be closely monitored.
Referring to estimates previously publicized by MATI, Nasheed said no tourists are expected to visit the Maldives for the remainder of the year. Nasheed stressed that the government must listen to MATI's opinion on the matter and take it into consideration when planning strategies to rebuild the economy.
“I do not believe that economy can rebuilt without listening to them [MATI]. I do not believe the socio-economic condition of the society can be improved without their input. We should not ignore their voices when the country is in such a vulnerable condition”, said Nasheed.
MATI's Chairman, Mohamed Umar Manik
