The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) under the past Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government has emerged as a striking example of gross mismanagement and rampant waste, according to the revealed audit reports. Financial records from the final four years of the previous administration expose an appalling total loss of 203,891,059 MVR — a damning indictment of leadership failures and misguided priorities.
The figures speak volumes: losses of 1.6 million MVR in 2020 spiraled to a staggering 141 million MVR in 2021, followed by 42 million MVR in 2022 and nearly 18 million MVR in 2023. These numbers are not mere accounting mishaps; they reflect a systemic collapse driven by internal power struggles and an utter lack of accountability.
During this period, MMPRC operated in complete disarray, disconnected from the Ministry of Tourism and marred by incessant clashes among top executives and the then Minister of Tourism. Instead of steering the corporation towards strategic growth, officials indulged in ego-driven conflicts, leaving national interests neglected and taxpayers footing the bill.
In a brazen display of reckless spending, the MDP government splurged close to 490 million MVR on so-called destination marketing campaigns — expenditures that failed to deliver any tangible improvement in the Maldives’ global tourism standing. Annual breakdowns reveal 87 million MVR spent in 2020, soaring to 154 million MVR in 2021, with continued high spending in 2022 and 2023. Yet, for all this outlay, there was no clear strategy, no defined performance indicators, and no effective partnerships with key international operators to convert investments into visitor arrivals.
Instead of strengthening the Maldives’ brand, these campaigns amounted to hollow publicity stunts — glossy videos and empty slogans designed more to impress insiders than attract tourists. The widespread use of foreign contractors, many hired without transparency, further drained public funds while providing little return.
Beyond the balance sheets, this 203 million MVR loss represents a heartbreaking squander of resources that could have transformed lives: building schools, developing health facilities, or empowering local tourism operators across the atolls.
This era stands as a stark warning of the dangers posed by unchecked mismanagement and the severe consequences of allowing national institutions to drift without oversight. As the nation moves forward, it is imperative to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that public funds are invested transparently and wisely — for the true benefit of all Maldivians.
