President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appealed to adhere to Islamic principles in promoting local tourism in the Maldives. He made this appeal during his speech at a ceremony held to meet the people of Aa. Ukulhas. In his address, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that Ukulhas is home to hardworking citizens and is one of the first islands to initiate local tourism. The President said that local tourism is conducted on inhabited islands, and therefore, there are aspects that need to be considered.
The President said that the government also wants to expand local tourism and will provide support for it. However, he noted that there are principles that those involved in local tourism must uphold. In this regard, the President urged to stay away from practices that are not permitted in Islam and should not occur in the Maldivian environment.
The President shared a message given to him by a young child during his trip to Ukulhas. The message highlighted that some people are behaving in ways that are alien to Maldivian customs and Islam. Therefore, the President called for maintaining boundaries when conducting local tourism and seeking prosperity in ways encouraged by Islam. “In this atoll, the number of beds is increasing by thousands in some islands. That should continue, but we need to be mindful of certain things. What is done in resorts and safaris within the bounds of laws and regulations can be done,” the President said.
Calling for remembrance of self-identity while acknowledging that Maldivians are Muslims, the President noted that without mental development, there would be no benefit from physical development. In his speech, the President emphasized that this is an appeal to those involved in local tourism, calling for the advancement of this work based on Islamic principles. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also stated that the government would provide full support in this endeavor.
