According to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the biggest challenge to tourism development is delays in the development of tourist establishment.
At the special ceremony held on Sunday evening, 02nd October, to commemorate the National Tourism Day and the Golden Jubilee anniversary of Maldives tourism, President Solih bemoaned the significant delays in multiple tourism related projects.
“Many of these properties have remained idle without development for years,” he said.
President Solih identified many of these properties lacked long-term developmental plans.
While speaking, he had criticized previous administration for their obvious mismanagement of resources. President Solih lambastes on the dubious transactions by the previous regime, which cost the state billions of revenue.
According to the Maldivian head of state, several lagoons, islands and other plots have been issued out without proper paperwork. Many of these transactions had not benefited the state, while a majority of these projects remain in developmental hell.
On Sunday’s ceremony, the first edition of Maldives Tourism Awards was officially introduced. President Solih and Vice President Faisal Naseem handed out multiple awards to its winning recipients at the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, President made emphasis on continued efforts by all relevant stakeholders towards tourism sustainability. He made strong assertion on the importance of the state and tourism industry players, working in synergy, to maintain the country’s tourism growth momentum.
Moreover, he made strong emphasis on adopting renewable energy options for tourist properties. President Solih urged hoteliers, resort ventures and tourism trades to strongly consider eco-friendly approaches.
On Sunday’s ceremony, several tourist properties and tourism industry individuals were celebrated for their contribution to the industry. The major highlight of the event was One & Only Reethi Rah grabbing “Best Resort” title on the first edition.