Hardliners in the government can impact tourism: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that hardliners in the current coalition government could have a dramatic impact on the future of tourism of the Maldives.

Nasheed made this statement in an interview with UK’s Telegraph Travel.

“They are talking about alcohol-free resorts, about getting non-drinking tourists to come in from Iran. I can easily imagine holidaymakers being prosecuted for kissing in public, as in some Muslim countries,” Nasheed had said to Telegraph Travel.

Nasheed also criticised Islamic Ministry’s recent circular banning mixed-gender public dancing.

“Public dancing, singing and spas have been banned in Malé [the capital city]. But un-Islamic behaviour is un-Islamic behaviour whether it is in Malé or in a resort.”

Nasheed expressed concern over the activities of the government’s security forces, and also urged holidaymakers to avoid those resorts whose owners he alleged were responsible for his downfall.