Impact of a decline in tourist arrivals is felt more severely by families dependent on industry than by government itself: Shaaz

The decline in tourist arrivals will have a far more profound impact on the countless families dependent on the industry than on the government itself, stated Shaaz Waleed, owner of Resort Life Maldives and Vice President of MATATO.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Shaaz stated that the current situation involves a decline of more than 150,000 tourists. He further noted that the government has yet to show any visible effort to manage this ongoing crisis.

He noted that while their statements are visible in press releases and media reports today, there is no evidence of any practical effort being made to resolve the issue.

Consider the impact on the Maldivian economy if daily arrivals were to decrease by 150,000 tourists over a given period. Such a decline would exert significant pressure on our economy and cause extensive monetary damage. Countless families depend entirely on these tourists for their livelihoods. Whether we look at Maafushi or other islands operating guesthouses, the impact reaches small, medium, and micro-businesses, including souvenir shops. Even the traditional bondi makers in Addu Atoll are affected. Tourists often purchase these local delicacies at the airport to take abroad; if there is no one to buy them, those producers lose their means of production.

Shaaz Waleed, Owner of Resort Life Maldives and Vice President of MATATO

Shaaz stated that these issues have disrupted the daily lives of numerous families. He noted that some families who rely on small-scale activities within the industry are currently unable to even pay their electricity bills, adding that the decline in tourist arrivals is impacting many households.

Furthermore, he noted that other sectors, including agriculture, are also facing adverse impacts. He highlighted that farmers are incurring significant losses as produce intended for resorts remains unsold.

The latest statistics from the Ministry of Tourism indicate a continued decline in tourist arrival percentages, as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East cause significant disruptions to international travel.

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM) have expressed grave concern over the declining number of tourist arrivals, calling for urgent government intervention to mitigate the significant impact on the national economy and the tourism industry.