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Tourism Ministry Promises Action Over “Wedding Vow” Incident

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE
REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES
Tel: +(960)332 3224, +(960)332 3226, +(960)332 1216, Fax: +(960)332 2512
E-mail: info@maldivestourism.gov.mv, website: www. tourism.gov.mv

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture today condemned the actions of members of staff at Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort who conducted a “renewal of vows” ceremony during which two visitors to the Maldives were insulted and humiliated. The event was captured on video and subsequently uploaded onto the video-sharing site, YouTube.

The Tourism Ministry noted that such behavior is utterly unacceptable and issued an
apology to the couple in question. The Ministry also stated that it will work with the resort in question to ensure that the couple receives full compensation for any distress caused.

The Ministry also promised to work with the resort and the Maldives Police Service to ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated and those found guilty of wrong-doing are held to account.

The Ministry noted that the Maldives is famous as a world-class tourist destination known for its warm welcome and excellent customer service. Episodes such as that captured on video have no place in the Maldives and are not in any way representative of the holiday experience enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.

The Ministry also promised to immediately hold talks with the Maldives tourism industry in order to seek assurances that this was an isolated incident.

The Ministry made clear that, if it does not receive such a reassurance, it reserves the right to take all remedial steps necessary, legislative or otherwise, to ensure that episodes such that which occurred in Vilu Reef Resort never happen again, and do not tarnish the positive image of the country built-up over so many years.

ENDS