In an official statement, the Ministry of Tourism has clarified recent remarks made by the Minister of State for Tourism, Mohamed Nihad, stating that his comments do not represent the official stance of the Government of the Maldives. As a result, Mr. Nihad has been suspended from his duties while a further review is conducted.
The Ministry reiterated its dedication to ensuring that the Maldives remains a safe, secure, and inviting destination for all travelers. Under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, efforts continue to bolster the Maldives’ reputation as a leading global tourist attraction.
The ruling party, People’s National Congress (PNC), has dismissed allegations about opposition-led protest plans at tourist resorts in Malé Atoll, purported by Nihad as direct threats to the tourism sector and potential economic harm. During a recent meeting at PNC headquarters, these claims were firmly denied. The PNC stressed that no responsible political or civil society group in the Maldives would engage in activities harmful to tourism or capable of causing long-term economic damage.
Nihad’s comments have led to significant backlash and his suspension, amidst widespread demands for accountability. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also called for a detailed investigation into his allegations to address concerns surrounding these serious claims.