Umar Manik: Unity needed to counter negative effects on tourism

Mohamed Umar Manik, chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has called on everyone in the industry to band together to overcome the adverse effects faced by the tourism industry due to shifts in the world economy.

Mr. Manik was speaking in the 30th annual general meeting of the association held in Kurumba Maldives when he also stated that 2019 was a notable year for the country since it surpassed the set tourist arrival target of 1.5 million and reached 1.7 million.

He predicted that the country would still gain advances in the industry.

“Work on the new passenger terminal and seaplane terminal at the Velana International Airport is moving according to the schedule. Services for tourists will be increased when the airport development projects are concluded. The number of tourists will increase.” said Manik.

After noting that the revenue from the industry had increased in 2019, he then noted that the country was also affected adversely by the tremors resulting from the world economy.

Mr. Manik noted the efforts made to destination marketing and the success attained from it when one of the biggest players in the Maldivian tourism industry, Thomas Cook declared bankruptcy. He noted the efforts underway to minimize the effects stemming from the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

Mr. Manik pointed out the amendments and improvements being brought to laws regarding the tourism industry and stated that the government would always have the support of MATI in forming the new masterplan for the industry.

He also touched on the effects of climate change being observed in the country and called on the funds from the Green Tax to be used appropriately to combat these effects.