Excursion company in snorkeling death of Chinese tourist had license expired

Ministry of Tourism has said today that the excursion company involved in the death of the Chinese tourist who had gone snorkeling near Alif Alif atoll Rasdhoo had their license expired at the time of the incident.

The Chinese tourist died in a snorkeling accident on October 13. Another Chinese tourist had also died in a similar incident near Kaafu atoll Maafushi on October 7.

Parliament's Regulations Committee today summoned officials from the Ministry of Tourism to discuss regulations that need to be put into place to ensure safety and protection of tourists.

North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim asked of ministry officials what action had been taken in response to the deaths near Rasdhoo and Maafushi. He also asked if the excursion companies involved had valid licenses.

State Minister at Ministry of Tourism Ahmed Nazim Mohamed responded that the excursion company in Rasdhoo, although registered, had its license expired at the time of the incident.

He said that they had applied for renewal of their license after the incident.

Nazim said that they had recommended to take the strictest action police against this.

He said that a committee has been formed with Police to look into the two cases, stating the investigation is swiftly proceeding.

One major action that they have decided to undertake is to identify operators in local islands with tourism activities who are working without valid licenses. He said that the current database only consists of operators with licenses.

"Most of the time, the ministry is not aware of an entity operating without a license unless someone submits a complaint. And in many cases, we only get the information when we check the status of those involved after an incident occurs," Nazim said.

Nazim said that this inspection will commence in the next two weeks as they have already observed many operating without valid licenses.