MATI concerned over concerted international campaign against some resort operators

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, MATI, representing the Tourism Industry of Maldives has expressed concern over the concerted international campaign waged by a group called Maldives Tourism Advisory, MTA, against some resort operators in the country.

MATI urged tour operators and the travelling public not to pay heed to this call for the boycott of some of resorts as the activities of MTA are libelous in the extreme and its allegations against the tourist resort operators have not been proven either through an investigation or a court of law.

MATI pointed out that Maldivian resorts directly employ over thirty thousand employees and this number could well be over ninety thousand indirectly who support their families.

“A call to boycott the resorts could lead to enormous loss of business and lay off of resort staff and support workers, not to mention those several businesses that cater to the tourism industry will be affected,” MATI added.

MATI said that their belief that unsubstantiated charges directed at some resort operators result not only in loss of business at their resorts, but in loss of reputation and standing in international markets and the global community.

“MATI does not wish to enter into a protracted dispute or legal wrangling with those who are calling for a boycott of our resorts, mainly as these people do not have the decency to come out in the open; instead of which they hide behind the safe veil of the internet.”

The organization urged those behind the Maldives Tourism Advisory Campaign and those engaged in similar activities against the Maldives tourism industry to desist and refrain from such destructive activities.

They added that the several accusations and charges directed at the operators of resort businesses must be proven in a court of law before these businesses are subject to industrial action or denunciation.