Hulhumae' South MP Ahmed Shamheed has urged the introduction of investor-friendly laws in the tourism sector, highlighting concerns over proposed amendments to the Tourism Act.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the amendment to Article 9 of the Act, Shamheed argued that the changes lacked strength and would strip councils of their authority to allocate land for tourism development in their jurisdictions.
He also criticized provisions related to resort agreements, stating that if a resort undergoes repairs, its agreement must be revised. However, he strongly opposed the idea of allowing the government to seize resorts without compensation if they fail to reopen within a specified period.
Shamheed said this should not be allowed under any circumstances and that there are other ways to reopen resorts like Shangri-La.
He further noted that the bill does not clearly define hotels within the legal framework and contains provisions that could undermine investor confidence in the tourism sector.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the amendment to Article 9 of the Act, Shamheed argued that the changes lacked strength and would strip councils of their authority to allocate land for tourism development in their jurisdictions.
He also criticized provisions related to resort agreements, stating that if a resort undergoes repairs, its agreement must be revised. However, he strongly opposed the idea of allowing the government to seize resorts without compensation if they fail to reopen within a specified period.
Shamheed said this should not be allowed under any circumstances and that there are other ways to reopen resorts like Shangri-La.
He further noted that the bill does not clearly define hotels within the legal framework and contains provisions that could undermine investor confidence in the tourism sector.
