While tourists choose the Maldives for its natural beauty, their lasting trust in the destination fundamentally relies on the safety and security they experience, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan said on Tuesday. The Minister emphasized that maintaining this safety is a collective duty, rather than the sole responsibility of the government.
Speaking at the inauguration of the "Safety and Security Conference Maldives 2026," organised by the Maldives Association of Fire Security and Safety Industry (MAFSII) at Barceló Nasandhura, Ihusan highlighted that the Maldives boasts one of the most successful and renowned tourism industries worldwide. He noted that the sense of peace and comfort visitors experience during their stay is deeply rooted in the nation's safe environment.
Expanding on the shared nature of this responsibility, the Minister stated that security cannot be confined to the mandate of the government or state security apparatus alone. Instead, he described safety as a core component of the Maldivian tourism brand and reputation, calling upon all industry stakeholders to actively protect and uphold it.
Minister Ihusan also pointed out that the global security landscape surrounding tourism is shifting rapidly and can no longer be viewed strictly through the lens of petty crime. He cautioned that destinations must now prepare for a wider array of modern challenges, including fire accidents, maritime distress, severe climate anomalies, cyberattacks, data breaches, online fraud, narcotics, and public health emergencies.
Given the unique geographical challenges of an archipelago where resorts are dispersed across vast maritime territory, responding to emergencies after they occur is exceptionally difficult, the Minister observed. He concluded by urging the sector to move away from reactive measures and instead adopt unified, proactive strategies to prevent hazards before they arise.