‘Event Organizing Needs Support from Government’

Thursday 9th of April 2020

‘Event Organizing Needs Support from Government’

Leading event organizers in the country have raised their concerns over the challenges that have arisen due to Covid-19 pandemic and the shutdown of resorts and events, according to Island Chief. The events and advertising sector of the Maldives have played important roles in marketing local companies and hosting a variety of events for the government, the resorts, state owned enterprises and small and large private companies.

Director of Highrise says ‘it’s tough for every industry as the world has stopped. Survival has been the priority and how long we all can manage. Financially, we are in a service industry and when there’s no demand, we crash unlike material businesses.’ He further says that the government should not consider the profitably of the businesses in the previous year when considering on loans and incentives.

“We are a forgotten industry who is directly affected by Covid-19,” states Managing Director of Event Maldives. As a result of the precautionary measures, demand for events from the tourism sector has stopped and as government and businesses are making full attempts to lower costs, event management industry “is in a total blackout”.

Managing Director of Stage Core says that they need ‘an aid package to support us in order to stand even a remote chance of recovering from this economic catastrophe.’ With no demand, they have no way of paying rent for their godowns or offices. And even importantly, the employees’ salaries cannot be paid.

Managing Director Chopart: Covid-19 has dimmed the lights on this industry. In times of uncertainty, it’s crucial to plan as far ahead as possible. As we try to maneuver through this difficult time, it's important that businesses help each other and pull up the most affected. 

Cover Photo : @ eventmaldives