At ITB, minister lambastes ‘political campaign to tarnish Maldives’ image’
“Scare stories of religious extremists threatening tourists have been spread by people who have vested interest – not to highlight an impending problem, but solely to gain headlines,” Moosa Zameer said in a statement issued at the opening of the ITB Berlin travel and trade show.
09 Mar 2016, 9:00 AM
In a statement issued at the opening of the ITB Berlin travel and trade show, Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer lambasted an alleged political campaign to tarnish the Maldives’ image with “scare stories” of religious extremism.
The Maldives is the partner country of this year’s ITB fair, the world’s largest travel exhibition. It began today and will run through March 13.
Zameer – who is heading the Maldives delegation – reiterated the government’s stance that the opposition’s claim of the Maldives having the highest per capita recruitment for militant groups in Syria and Iraq is exaggerated.
“Scare stories of religious extremists threatening tourists have been spread by people who have vested interest – not to highlight an impending problem, but solely to gain headlines,” he said.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
