Fisheries Minister: Need legal reform to begin Agro Tourism

Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture Dr Hussain Hassan on Thursday said that in order to begin Agro-Tourism, the relevant laws need to be reformed.

The minister made the statement while delivering a keynote speech and presentation on ‘Agro-Tourism in the Maldives Setting’ at the ongoing United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Summit.

During the speech, he noted that the agriculture industry in Maldives needs further diversification, and agro-tourism could be utilized for this.

“We can create more employment by introducing agro tourism to agriculture. Can get more youth to participate in the industry.”

He noted that with the way current laws are, there are some obstacles to introducing agro-tourism and that changes need to be made in order to start.

“We need to amend the laws and political structures so that overnight stay and contract-based stay are legalized and to lease islands used for agriculture for long term and allow tourists to visit.”

The UNWTO summit is being held in celebration of Maldivives’ tourism golden jubilee, and will be held from June 14-16, and will have three thematic sessions. The three themes are: 

• Food tourism 

• Agriculture tourism 
• Community-based tourism 

The sessions will be attended by international experts in travel and tourism, local tourism industry leaders, and government ministers.