Mausoom: Souvenir businesses among most impacted during Covid

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has remarked that souvenir business operators were among the most impacted in the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to a question posed by Sun – Minister Mausoom described domestic travel within the Maldives by tourists as a practice that needs to be promoted which could be utilized as an important tool to boost local souvenir businesses.

Stressing that the souvenir businesses in Chaandhanee Magu, in terms of Male’ City, were deeply impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic – Minister Mausoom expressed hope that the businesses would see a boost this year.

“I hope for souvenir businesses to see a further boost and its subsequent benefit for the public,” he added.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major blows to the Maldivian economy which is completely dependent on its tourism sector.

The closure of Maldivian borders and lockdowns in other nations completely plummeted the tourism sector. With decreased tourist arrivals – local tourism and souvenir businesses were hit hard. A lot of souvenir shops were forced to close down as well following months of slow business.