Social media posts by ministers of new government in Maldives that led to outrage and #boycottmaldives trending online were totally ‘unnecessary’ asserts Abdulla Mausoom, former tourism minister of Maldives. He explained the present government which came to power running a negative campaign against India needs to realise they are in power now and their social media accounts are no longer personal spaces.
Mausoom told ToI that leading travel, resorts, boats and other accommodation organisations – The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives, National Boating Association of Maldives and Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators – have released statements expressing their concern over the remarks. Most associations have condemned these ‘irresponsible’ statements.
“What any minister, junior or senior says, is seen as the word of the government and country. One shouldn’t do anything that impacts the core sectors of the country. The government has rightly acted and I hope diplomacy resolves this issue amicably,” Mausoom told ToI.
Mausoom highlighted how India and Maldives enjoyed a very strong bond under former president Solih’s government. He said Maldives had a travel bubble arrangement with India which made India the top source market for the islands for last four years. He recalled how Indian travellers and celebrities turned Maldives into a popular destination showering their love on social media.
The present govt, says Mausoom, has to understand that import dependent and tourism reliant country like Maldives should do everything to safeguard their important industries. He elaborates how former President Solih has an open foreign policy that made Maldives friend of the world. He explained they started work on a new airport that would reduce the travel time to India. Solih govt was eagerly looking to start promotions for direct flights from India to Northern Maldives.
“We thank all the Indian tourists for their interest in Maldives. They were there when we needed. When air clears, we hope they will be back in bigger numbers. We should encourage product diversity. There’s no need for this outcry about Lakshadweep posts. The remarks by Maldives ministers shouldn’t have happened,” said Mausoom.
Mausoom told ToI that leading travel, resorts, boats and other accommodation organisations – The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives, National Boating Association of Maldives and Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators – have released statements expressing their concern over the remarks. Most associations have condemned these ‘irresponsible’ statements.
“What any minister, junior or senior says, is seen as the word of the government and country. One shouldn’t do anything that impacts the core sectors of the country. The government has rightly acted and I hope diplomacy resolves this issue amicably,” Mausoom told ToI.
Mausoom highlighted how India and Maldives enjoyed a very strong bond under former president Solih’s government. He said Maldives had a travel bubble arrangement with India which made India the top source market for the islands for last four years. He recalled how Indian travellers and celebrities turned Maldives into a popular destination showering their love on social media.
The present govt, says Mausoom, has to understand that import dependent and tourism reliant country like Maldives should do everything to safeguard their important industries. He elaborates how former President Solih has an open foreign policy that made Maldives friend of the world. He explained they started work on a new airport that would reduce the travel time to India. Solih govt was eagerly looking to start promotions for direct flights from India to Northern Maldives.
“We thank all the Indian tourists for their interest in Maldives. They were there when we needed. When air clears, we hope they will be back in bigger numbers. We should encourage product diversity. There’s no need for this outcry about Lakshadweep posts. The remarks by Maldives ministers shouldn’t have happened,” said Mausoom.
