The Maldives has become a signatory to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The agreement was signed by Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom at the opening session of the UNWTO Conference on the International Code for the Protection of Tourists.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Mausoom said the agreement aims to provide assistance to tourists during disasters. He said that the Maldives has extensive experience in providing assistance to tourists, as demonstrated during the tsunami disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted that the Maldives received international praise for its effective handling of tourists during these critical situations.
Additionally, Minister Mausoom said that under the agreement, countries will work together to assist tourists during disasters and ease their burden when interacting with tourism establishments. He also said that the UNWTO is obtaining information about the experiences of different countries before finalising the ICPT, which will make tourists more willing to travel to places that are part of the international network of participating countries.