NBAM Discusses Issues of the Boating Sector with Tourism Minister

Monday 28th of June 2021

A virtual meeting was held by the h Executive Board Members of National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) yesterday with the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom.

A number of concerns within the boating sector of the Maldives were raised to the Minister during the meeting. This included the dire need to eliminate the unfair competition between foreign boats and local-operated boats, which will be solved by facilitating efficient financial aid to locals as suggested by NBAM.

With the low season upon us, NBAM also pressed on the importance of the Southeast Asian market to revive the sector. Given the popularity of boating products in the market, border reopening for tourists from Southeast Asia were discussed. This was more significant while discussing on the issue of numerous challenges faced by boat operators who wish to bring back their staff who are currently home in the Southeast Asian countries.

In the same lines, local staff on boats are also facing difficulties in visiting their home islands due to the imposed quarantine and travel measures on the islands.

NBAM highlighted their request to allow quarantine of guests and crew on boats instead of land facilities, a suggestion that has been made since the onset of the pandemic. The association believes that this possibility will greatly influence the sector to remain afloat as guests can enjoy the facilities in a monitored environment on the vessels, which will ideally be away from public exposure. Simultaneously, it will relieve the pressure on land-based quarantine facilities as we move towards the high season.

Complains aside, the meeting also saw fruition of discussions around the concept of introducing ‘Vaccination Vacation’. This however, will require proper strategizing with ample availability of arranged vaccines in order to be an additional marketing component of destination Maldives.

Minister Mausoom committed to providing full support to the boating sector. The meeting concluded with high hopes for mutual work in confederation for further expansion.