The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has refused to give details of the value of the deal signed with Liverpool FC, one of Britain's most successful football teams, to make the Maldives an official tourist destination.
MMPRC's official brand, "Visit Maldives", announced the agreement with Liverpool on March 13. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and a government delegation travelled to the UK on April 2 to officially begin advertising the Maldives at Liverpool Stadium.
On March 28, Adhadhu requested details of the amount the Maldives must pay to Liverpool under the deal. In its response on April 30, MMPRC said these details cannot be disclosed because of a confidentiality clause.
"They [Liverpool FC] stated that the disclosure of the agreement would adversely affect Liverpool FC's business interests. Therefore, as this is an exception under the Right to Information Act, details of the expenditure (annually) cannot be disclosed," the MMPRC said.
According to details previously released by the government, this deal will be in place for three years and six months.
In addition to promoting the Maldives, Liverpool will support Visit Maldives' efforts to protect the environment in the Maldives.
The UK has been the third largest source market for the Maldives tourism industry this year. Liverpool FC has more than 200 million fans worldwide and reaches 397 million people every year through its social media accounts.
