The Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday issued a press release, warning tour operators of a potential shutdown of all resorts operated by the self-exiled opposition leader Qasim Ibrahim’s Villa Group.
The state claims that Villa Group owes the state MVR 2.9 billion in taxes and additional dues related to leasing islands in the Maldives, and claimed that the company continues to “avoid payment and operate in bad faith.”
The warning came after the ministry hinted that it would not reinstate Villa’s temporary liquor license, which was granted for a period of 14-days after the government consulted with Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and other relevant stakeholders in the tourism industry which had deemed that such a move may affect the Maldives’ tourism industry.
“The Administration wishes, in good faith, to direct our Tour Operators and entities doing business with the group to take note of the company’s actions and to entertain the strong possibility that the temporary reinstatement period may not be extended should the company continue to act in such bad faith and as such services may be disrupted,” the statement read.
The government withheld the company’s permit to serve alcohol and pork mid-January after commencing a number of raids, amidst guests, late at night on the resorts operated by Qasim's company.
The 14-day temporary liquor license is still in effect.
In the statement, the government made other allegations against Villa Group, condemned its actions, and accused it of evading legal responsibilities to the state, its laws and the public.
“We take harsh notice of the fact that the company has gone well beyond the realm of decent, professional conduct by distributing pictures and videos, and willfully encouraging added exposure of enforcement officials legally tasked with documenting its dues, within the media and social media.”
The state had also accused Villa Group of “engaging in unfair and illegal business practices while at the same time sullying the reputation of the [tourism] industry as a whole.”
Meanwhile, Villa Group's management and its owner Qasim insist that Villa has not done anything illegal. In a letter sent to the employees of Villa, Qasim had accused the government of orchestrating a plot to bankrupt him and alleged that the state wants to put a stop to the services he is providing to the nation. Qasim denied all the allegations and maintained that he is a law abiding citizen and that none of his businesses would have involved any illicit activities.
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