New legislation for tour agents and operators will improve security for businesses: Minister Mausoom

Minister of Tourism Abdulla Mausoom has revealed that the special legislation to regulate tour operators and tour agents in the Maldives, would provide security to those businesses operating in competition with international parties in the competitive arena of global tourism.

Minister Mausoom made the remarks while launching the series of discussion meetings being conducted at parliament regarding the legislation, which were initiated on Thursday. During his speech, Minister Mausoom highlighted that Maldivian tour operators and agents were severely disadvantaged when competing with international parties due to the lack of security provided to them.

Minister Mausoom went on to note that it was the responsibility of a government to provide security to companies from that nation who were competing with international parties in business. He added that this was the best move for the nation's economy, and that the issue must be afforded top priority by leaders.

Minister Mausoom detailed that one of the biggest obstacles faced by local travel agents in the global travel and tourism business was that of local residency. He added that local residency would allow parties to reap the benefits of being associated with one country despite not being based there. He declared that any legislation made on the matter must afford adequate protection and security for local businesses going neck-and-neck with businesses from other countries on a global stage. Minister Mausoom also drew attention to protecting national interests and those of home-grown businesses even in light of modernized free trade with other countries, adding that it would be the best course of action for any nation from an economic perspective as well.

Addressing those gathered at parliament for the discussions on Thursday, Minister Mausoom remarked that the local tour agents and operators taking part in the discussion meeting were all big contenders in their own right. He added that they had all gathered not because of difficulties faced to them, but in order to pave way for smaller local tour operators and agents with their contribution to the discussions surrounding the special legislation for them.

In addition to this, Minister Mausoom emphasized the importance of the law in ensuring that the foreign currency that entered the Maldives through tourism was retained in the most beneficial manner.