Permission given for spas to reopen

The government has decided to allow the spas in tourist resorts to reopen, and to give permission to sell products and services targeted at tourists.

Following the demands made at “mass protest” held on 23 December, the government ordered the closure of spas located in tourist resorts, and announced that the prohibition of pork and alcohol is being considered.

While this had caught the attention of the international media, President Mohamed Nasheed said today at a news conference held at Kurumba Maldives that the tourism industry and economy of the country are suffering, and that the sale of products and services to tourists which are in line with the law, is not a problem.

“The government does not wish to do anything that would damage the country’s economy. So while the Supreme Court is working on the advice, the government intends to reopen the spas,” President Nasheed said. “As long as a Court does not order against it, the sale of pork and alcohol, and other services target at non-muslims, should be provided to non-muslims without any discrimination.”

The President also said that, even though the government has made this decision, it must be clarified that the operation of spas and the sale of pork, alcohol and other services targeted at tourists, are conducted according to the law, and that the Supreme Court’s advice was sought in this regard. He also said that this is essential in obtaining the trust of investors and businessmen.

“The government wants to understand the regulations which come under section 10b of the Constitution. Our Constitution says that everything must be conducted according to the rules of Islam, so we have to know what those rules are. The investors and businessmen who come to Maldives have to know what the law says about the operation of casinos, or other things. That decision is important,” the President said.

In defense of the decision to close the spas, the President said that if a large number of citizens gather and accuse the existence of prostitution in the spas, the government is forced to make checks and regulate the activities conducted in these places, and this was the reason for ordering the closure of all spas.

“The government has to assure that these spas are not brothels, and that they create an atmosphere which provides services for the whole family to enjoy. Tourists also need this assurance,” the President said, speaking from the first-ever resort to be opened in the Maldives.

The President also said today that the closing of spas would reduce the income received from GST, and also affect the number of tourists visiting Maldives.

“Section 15a of the law governing GST, I believe, says that GST should be paid by spas. The country’s laws are well received by spas, and GST amounts to 3% of income received. So the government makes an estimate for this.”