No party, organisation will harm tourism, PNC says
State tourism minister Nihad was suspended from his position on Tuesday.
Ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) on Tuesday called for restraint in actions that could harm the Maldives' tourism sector, following allegations made by state tourism minister Mohamed Nihad against the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of organising what he described as a “terrorist attack” on international tourism brands in the Maldives.
In connection with his remarks, which were deemed potentially harmful to tourism and the country's reputation in the international arena, Nihad was suspended from his position on Tuesday.
The PNC released a statement addressing the situation but stopped short of condemning Nihad’s comments. The statement emphasised that no political party or civil society organisation registered in the Maldives would undertake actions that could cause irreparable damage to the country’s tourism and economy.
According to the PNC, political parties and civil society organisations are expected to act within the framework of the law, and any violations should be addressed by the relevant authorities.
The statement also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the Maldives as a safe destination for tourists and protecting the investments of those in the tourism sector. It further acknowledged the efforts of state institutions in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for tourists and investors.
The PNC urged all stakeholders, including state institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, and individuals, to avoid actions that could harm tourism or the Maldives' international reputation.
In response, the MDP issued a statement condemning Nihad’s remarks, asserting that allegations of this nature, particularly by a government official, could severely damage the country’s tourism industry. The MDP noted that the Maldives has already suffered significant financial losses this year due to statements made by senior officials, and further rhetoric of this kind could create a negative perception among potential visitors.
The MDP called on relevant authorities to prioritise the safety and security of tourists, tourism industry workers, and businesses serving the sector. The party also emphasised the need for accountability in addressing the issue, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the Maldives' image as a leading tourist destination.
