The Tourism Ministry is working to recover USD 97 million in unpaid resort lease rent and fines owed to the state, Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen has said.

Speaking to journalists at the President’s Office today, Minister Ameen said most tourism businesses pay their taxes and lease rent in accordance with the law, but a small number have outstanding payments.

He said the ministry has established a system to engage with resorts that have unpaid dues and take necessary measures to recover the outstanding amounts. The efforts have already resulted in progress, he added.

The minister said the outstanding debts include payments owed by resorts that remain operational, as well as properties that have been closed due to various reasons, including the lack of a valid ministry licence.

He added that some companies have failed to pay lease rent since 2013. The ministry will take further action in accordance with regulations to recover the money owed to the state.

The Auditor General’s Office has previously raised concerns over unpaid resort lease rent, including the concessions and waivers granted on lease payments and related fines.