(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The water shortage crisis that affected 100000 people in Malé the island capital of the popular tourist destination of the Maldives last week has hit travel plans of many prospective visitors from Oman. The situation has resulted in fall in number of enquiries received by travel agents in Muscat.
After Malé's only water desalination plant was destroyed by fire last Thursday the Maldives government was forced to declare a state of crisis as over 100000 people were left without water in the capital. Scuffles were reported as locals desperately sought bottled water from shops as well as buckets to collect rainwater.
A senior representative at one leading Muscat-based outbound travel operator told Muscat Daily that there have been a 'reduced number of enquiries' for travel to the Maldives since media reports about the water shortages.
The representative noted that the Maldives is a popular honeymoon and family vacation destination for Omanis and expatriates alike and that clients interested in travelling here typically seek a more 'relaxed' experience.
An unnamed source at another local travel agency emphasised that luxury resorts away from the capital are unaffected by the water crisis and that there is no need to spend an extended period of time in Malé itself while transiting to resort islands. A sales representative at a third Muscat travel agency who requested anonymity confirmed that there had been a significant drop in enquiries and bookings for the Maldives in the wake of the news.
Concerns over the Malé water shortage could also have a foreseeable impact upon tourism here in Oman as a number of foreign tour operators offer standard tour packages that include travel to Oman along with the Maldives.
With water shortage expected to continue into the week questions are being raised about the potential impact upon the country's luxury tourism industry.
Presidential spokesman Ebrahim Muaz Ali told AFP on Monday 'it will take another seven to ten days to restore normal supplies.' The spokesman also reiterated the government's belief that tourism will be unaffected by the crisis.
Tourism is vital to the Maldives with over 1mn visitors per year forming 30 per cent of its GDP.
The Maldives is famous for its luxury resorts set on white-sand beaches across 1192 islands and is a popular weekend holiday destination for Omanis.
The Maldives' Ministry of Tourism says that approximately 3700 tourists from GCC have holidayed in the Maldives so far this year of which around ten percent originate in Oman.
An expatriate told Muscat Daily 'I had planned to take a short weekend trip. The Maldives is a favourite destination for my family but I have hesitated in booking because of the water shortages in the capital.'
The expatriate who declined to be named said he had visited the Maldives on several occasions but may look to other destinations until water is restored.
Muscat travel agents referred to the need for Omanis and expatriates to take note of any available travel warnings before embarking.
Oman Air has four flights per week to Malé and holidaymakers will undoubtedly be concerned over whether to travel to the crisis-hit island destination during the upcoming end-of-year holiday period.
'Omanis and expatriates considering travel should continue to seek updated information through their embassy or consulate where available and follow the advice of Maldives authorities on arrival' said one of the travel agents.
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