Maldives close down hundreds of its luxury spas
Islamic zealots shut down 'anti-Islamic' spas in the Maldives
Visitors vacationing in Maldives will now have to look for their spa treatments elsewhere as a result of the decision taken by the local government.
Protesters had gathered to raise awareness of several activities said to take place within the spas of high-end resorts that went against the Islamic code, reportedly including prostitution.
In particular, grievances with massage parlours were aired by objectors, who last week urged the government to close such venues.
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry has reacted angrily to the news, suggesting the country's economy will be hit if spas are shut for good and pleading for a resolution to be found.
The law of the land allows only one religion – Sunni Islam – to be followed within its boundary. However, the Maldives is a highly popular destination with British holidaymakers and honeymooners, many of whom enjoy the treatments on offer at its spas.
It is also renowned around the world for its exquisite resorts, which locals believed were promoting 'anti-Islamic' behavior.
A statement from the president's office confirmed the ban and spas have been shut with immediate effect.
Comments
The Other side.Pls. read.
http://abadeeu.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/president-nasheed-the-extremist/
Today government accepted demand of shutting down the spas. Tomorrow demand will come to shut down bars or swimming places. This is unending story when decisions are made by any radical group within governments. TRI is extremely against prostitution. However prostitution has nothing to do with spas only. It can anywhere and it can everywhere.
Radicalism (of any religion) hampers first tourism and than interfaith harmony. Why radicals first attack tourism???? For example sharmul sheikh (Islamic radicalism) and strict visa regime of EU ( EU radicalism) . Radicalism hits Tourism because Tourism is the biggest tool of interfaith harmony and promote Peace.
Well as a Travel Agent all I can say is that the Maldives is now off my list to try to sell to my clients. Shutting down the spas, and also trying to get the resorts shut down as well does not bode well for the Maldives economy. Since it seems the Zealots are running the country now, I do not want to put my travel clients in jeopardy of being attacked or jailed because of doing something unknowingly that is against what these zealots believe
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