04 Jan 2012 Maldives spas face government ban BYPete Hayman
Resort operators across the Maldives are facing the prospect of having to close their spas as a result of a government order, following protests led by opposition political parties.
According to media reports, president Mohamed Nasheed has issued a decree calling for the closure of spas and massage parlours throughout the Indian Ocean archipelago.
The move has prompted concerns from resort owners and from the tourism industry, which is worth around US$1.5bn (£962m, EUR1.2bn) to the Maldives a year - 30 per cent of GDP.
However, Haveeru News Service said tourism minister Mariyam Zulfa was looking at the possibility of introducing measures that would allow resorts to continue operating spas.
Zulfa told the service: "Several have raised concerns over our decision. We are considering allowing resorts to operate spas. They are also aware of the reasons that led us to take the decision."
Haveeru has also reported that the Supreme Court has been asked to issue a ruling on the matter in order to make the Maldivian judiciary's position "clear".
Attorney general Abdulla Muiz was quoted as saying: "We believe that the people have expressed genuine concerns over the circular issued by the tourism ministry ordering resorts to close down their spas."
Gharieni Group Gharieni was founded by Sammy Gharieni in 1992 in Duisburg, Germany, as a trading company for beauty and podiatry equipment and furniture. View full profile>>
To
ADVERTISE call
Display Sales on +44 (0)1462 431385
Latestjobs
Deputy Leisure Services Manager Salary:Circa £36K pa, plus 13% Annual Bonus and Benefits Location:Elveden Forest, United Kingdom Company:Center Parcs More>>
16 May 2013 Grand Resort Bad Ragaz launches long-stay lifestyle packages One of Europe's leading wellbeing and medical health spa destinations, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in
Switzerland has developed a long-stay lifestyle concept with a minimum duration of three months. More>>
Online reviews Economists have revealed that just half a star difference in online consumer reviews can make or break a business. But are spa operators doing enough to boost their online reputation? View>>
Interview
Deborah Szekely The extraordinary Deborah Szekely has spent 73 years in the industry, creating Rancho La Puerta and the Golden Door. Her 90th birthday marked the dawn of a new era, with the launch of lobbying organisation Wellness Warrior. She talks to Liz Terry View>>
