Maldives: The Ministry of Tourism has warned resort operators and other tourism leaseholders that enforcement action will be taken against those who do not make rental payments and pay fines and other sums due to the state.
The ministry said in a statement on Monday that it would take action against tourism leaseholders who had failed to meet their financial obligations under the Tourism Act and other regulations.
The action would be aimed at operators of tourism properties that had fallen behind on lease payments and penalties, or those that had stopped operating their tourism facilities without the ministry’s approval and still owed payments under their leases.
Leaseholders Urged To Pay Arrears
The ministry reminded tourism leaseholders of their duty to meet the lease requirements and pay any sums due to the state, and told them to clear their arrears.
Tourism operators leasing islands, land and other real property were to pay lease rental payments, fines and other amounts due under leases.
“The Tourism Act provides grounds for enforcement action,” the ministry said.
Tourism properties could be confiscated
Tourism operators were cautioned that they may be declared forfeited under the Act and tourism operators who did not meet their payment obligations under their leases could face further penalties.
The ministry did not say how many leaseholders were behind on payments or when enforcement action would begin.
The ministry also reminded tourism operators of the obligations in their leases.
The ministry said it will take enforcement action against delinquent tourism leaseholders, in accordance with the Tourism Act and other laws and regulations governing tourism leases.
