MATATO launches survey to assess impact of tourism boycott campaign

Jan 8, 2024, 12:10 PM
Indian tourists.

Indian tourists.

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has launched a survey to assess the impact of the campaign to boycott Maldives tourism on hotel reservations.

According to Indian newspapers and social media accounts, Indian tourists have been canceling hotel bookings after the campaign backed by Bollywood stars called for visiting Lakshadweep instead of the Maldives.

The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has also called for Indian airlines to suspend flights and tour operators to stop selling packages in order to boycott the Maldives.

MATATO stated that resorts, hotels and guest houses have been invited to participate in the survey.

"Your insights are crucial in understanding the industry's current situation," MATATO said.

Sections in the survey

  1. Hotel information
  2. Cancellation statistics
  3. Reason for booking cancellation
  4. Impact on revenue
  5. Future Outlook
  6. Communication and Public Relations
  7. Recommendation

Matato has requested stakeholders to email the survey to admin@matato.org.

India was the top source market for tourists to the Maldives in 2021, 2022 and 2023 with more than 200,000 visitors every year.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Next year’s budget is a “big scam”: MP Ameen

MP Ameen Faisal has condemned the government’s proposed 2025 budget as a "scam" designed to deceive the public and plunder national resources. He criticized the lack of progress on past projects despite massive state spending and accused the administration of failing to deliver on its promises to citizens.

MMA chief urges MIRA to audit resorts

MMA Governor Ahmed Munawar has urged the tax authority to audit resorts, noting that only 50 out of 150 currently pay income tax. He questioned the lack of reported profits and announced plans to tighten regulations next year to ensure more tourism-generated US dollars enter the national banking system.

Bill targets social media posts with fines up to MVR 500,000

A new bill submitted to the Maldives Parliament proposes fines up to MVR 500,000 for defamation on social media. The legislation targets both original posters and those who share defamatory content, including gestures and films. If a claim is proven false, courts must award damages between MVR 50,000 and MVR 500,000 to the plaintiff.

Alcohol can be sold in reclaimed islands under Rasmale' zone

The proposed Real Estate Bill allows for the sale and consumption of alcohol and pork on separately reclaimed islands within the Rasmale' zone. While these items remain strictly prohibited in residential and commercial areas, the new framework permits them on adjacent tourism islands to accommodate foreign residents and visitors.

Real Estate Bill grants Rasmale' Project special exemptions

The Real Estate Bill includes a provision exempting the Rasmalé project from competitive bidding and oversight by the ACC and Auditor General. This legal carve-out validates prior deals with UAE’s Eagle Hills, bypassing standard transparency rules. Future projects must meet strict investment criteria but lack the same total exemptions.

Man found dead in parked vehicle in Male'

A 41-year-old man was found dead inside a parked pickup truck in Malé on Saturday morning. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital after being discovered unresponsive. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

"Muizzu knows public would reject Rasmale' deal"

MDP leader Fayyaz Ismail claims President Muizzu is avoiding a public referendum on the Rasmalé land deal because he knows citizens would overwhelmingly reject it. Fayyaz argues the project lacks transparency and warns that future governments may be forced to alter the agreement if it proceeds without public consent.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox