Thai hotel chains: Tourism unaffected by political turmoil in Maldives

Thailand hotel chains that run resorts in Maldives that tourism has remained largely unaffected despite political turmoil in the country.

The hotel chains made the comment in answer to a question posed during trip by reporters from Sun Media and Public Service Media (PSM) to Bangkok, Thailand.

The reporters met with heads of major Thai hotel chains and asked whether tourism was affected by political unrest in Maldives.

Hotel chains said that tourism had remained largely unaffected by the political situation in Maldives. They said that occupancy rate was normal. And that there had been no notable reduction in tourist arrivals to the country.

The hotel chains said that each and every country had its own issues. And that Maldives paid special attention to safety and protection of tourists visiting the country – which could attribute to why tourism has remained largely unaffected.

“Tourist safety and protection is very well-covered in Maldives. The turmoil hasn’t manifested itself onto resorts. This is why there is no significant reduction in tourists visiting the country,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group.

The hotel chains praised the Maldivian tourism industry, saying that the country practiced sustainable tourism and had a bright future ahead.

Meanwhile, Thai ambassador to Maldives and Sri Lanka, Nopporn Adchariyavanich said that though there had been some fallout from the political turmoil in Maldives, it was not significant enough to deserve worry.

He noted that ties between both countries were as strong as ever. And that special efforts were being made to increase number of Thai tourists visiting Maldives.