The decision to reprieve resorts who are dodging payment of rent and accrued fines is a dangerous precedent created by the tourism ministry. This is actually a very serious issue as all of the owners of these defaulting resorts are senior members of the ruling MDP party. Tourism industry is the one sector of our economy that works well relatively compared to other sectors so its an alarming situation. The ministry and administration has to make a point of being seen as not playing favourites to the party members.
Tourism ministry may have considered the effect of revoking operation license of these resorts and the ensuing economic factors which might negatively effect the upcoming national elections in their decision. However these figures owed by the resorts in question are not of the magnitude that would have been impossible for resorts to come up with if the resorts are in business. Our resorts are well known for their over pricedness where even a bottle of water is sold for guests to the equivalent of a bottled water case! Also a quarter of million dollars is average monthly value of payroll in a mid sized resort. So its bewildering how the ministry has to bend its uprightness just to appease party benefactors.
Below is a list of resorts and the amounts owed by these resorts as rent and fines.
| Alidhoo (Cinnamon Island) (JResorts) | $792,042.12 |
| Kuda Rah (JResorts) | $759,363.38 |
| Funamaudda (JResorts) | $1,241,226.20 |
| Filitheyo Island | $2,563,509.01 |
| Medhufushi | $3,431,328.44 |
| Kudafunaafaru (Zitahli Resorts) | $669,604.72 |
| Hadha (Park Hyatt) | $200,833.33 |
| Giraavaru | $2,519,276.98 |
| Kihaadhuffaru (Zitahli) | $1,471,221.90 |
| Laamu Olhuveli (Six Senses) | $4,751,511.11 |
| Nasandhura Palace | $265,054.93 |
| Total | $18,664,972.12 |
Maldives Resort Workers 