Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has stated the Maldives plans to move forward with green policies upon resuming tourism operations following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tourism minister made the statement while speaking at the Commonwealth Virtual Seminar on the Impact of Tourism, Debt and Disaster Risk Management. The seminar was attended by Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland as well as representative state officials from Commonwealth member states.
Speaking at the seminar, Minister Ali Waheed stated the current focus of the Maldives is to flatten the epidemiological curve of COVID-19, adding the tourism industry has utilised 26 tourist establishments and nearly 3,000 rooms for quarantine and isolation purposes. He noted controlling and managing the pandemic today is key for a progressive economy tomorrow.
The tourism minister further stated the Maldives cannot keep borders closed for long, as the nation is heavily dependent on tourism which accounts for one third of the state revenue. He noted the government is engaging with relevant industry stakeholders in compiling the guideline to restart Maldivian tourism in July.
The minister said certain changes will be brought to the industry when tourism operations resume in the Maldives. As such, he said the government plans to move forward with green and inclusive policies for recovery, noting it is a good chance to integrate policies on climate change.
Minister Ali Waheed also noted the government is determined to address the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic promptly. In this regard, the minister said rescuing businesses and bringing back the workforce back to their jobs is on top of the list of priorities. He added the opportunity will also be used to strengthened the local parity and women empowerment in the tourism industry.
The tourism minister concluded his remarks by calling for support from the Commonwealth in the road to recovery from COVID-19. He thanked the support given to the Maldives by the organisation and its member states during tough times encountered in the past, and called for unity in the face of the pandemic in order to achieve the common targets.