President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today said that islands from the North Maalhosmadulu Atoll would be allocated to be developed as tourist resorts. The President made this remark while speaking to the people of Rasgetheemu, as part of his visit to the island today. The President is currently on a tour of some islands of the North Maalhosmadulu Atoll.
Speaking on the revenue received from the taxation of tourist resorts, President Waheed noted that the government is able to spend a proportionate sum on enhancing social welfare and benefits for the people. President also noted that a large number of Maldivian youth are employed in the tourism sector.
Addressing to the people, President strongly condemned the efforts of the group of people calling for the boycott of Maldives’ tourism.
“In the past one and a half year, a group of people have continuously attempted to defame the Maldives and called upon tourists not to visit the country” said the President.
Deliberating on the recent petition to boycott the Maldives’ tourism and the false allegations on human rights abuses in the country, President Waheed urged the people to be aware of such attempts to destroy the Maldives’ tourism industry.
Emphasizing the Government initiatives to counter the negative publicity, the President remarked that the tourist arrival has remained the same, despite the efforts to boycott Maldives’ tourism. He also expressed hope that the number would increase this year.
President Waheed appealed to the parents to endeavor to guide the children and inculcate in them the value of familial relations, peace and harmony. The President urged the people to strengthen the unity and support that should exist in the society.
