Maldives unrest hurting tourism

AFP reports that "The Maldives stands to lose over $100 million in revenue due to the cancellation of visitor bookings after a wave of political unrest, the tourism industry said Wednesday.

International media coverage of weeks of violent street unrest has disrupted tourism, the economy’s main source of revenue, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) said.

"Potential visitors are questioning the safety and security in the island nation, as the political turmoil in the Maldives makes headlines in the international media," MATI said in a statement.

The nation of 1,192 tiny coral islands has established up-market resorts in 100 islets catering to well-heeled holiday makers and honeymooners who pay up to $12,500 a night.

Resorts have reported "over 500 booking cancellations" in the past few days, MATI said estimating losses at "$100 million over the next six months."

The organisation said political rhetoric was fuelling fear among holidaymakers.

"Allegations of installing an Islamic regime, a possible enactment of full Sharia law and anti-Semitic remarks made by politicians at public gatherings have also caught (attention of) the international press."

Last Tuesday, protesters backed by mutinous police toppled president Mohamed Nasheed, after weeks of unrest.

However, foreign visitors have little contact with locals and holidaymakers are whisked from the main airport island to the resorts on outlying islands."