Maldivian tourism industry will bounce back in six months with close cooperation between the government and the private sector, the country's tourism minister has said in Male.

In an interview with Xinhua early this week, Maldivian Tourism Minister Mustafa Lutfi said out of the country's 87 resort islands,20 were damaged by the tsunami which hit the archipelagic country on last Dec. 26, and six of them were severely damaged.

"In order to rebuild the six severely damaged resort islands, it will take about eight to ten months. The rest will take few weeks to several months,"said Lutfi.

According to the minister, the loss of the tourism sector aloneis estimated at 200 million US dollars and the rebuilding and renovation will cost about 100 million US dollars.

He said the occupancy rate has gone down to 20 percent to 30 percent from almost 100 percent normally at this time of the year.

Lutfi said the drop of occupancy rate is partly resulted from the media reports which showed too much dark side of the Maldives after the tsunami and from the fact that some foreign governments have advised their people not to come to the Maldives.

Actually, he said, most of the resort islands were not affected by the tsunami and tourists could have a very good holiday in the country.

"We have 63 resorts running now. The airport is functioning. And the transport from the airport to other islands are normal," Lutfi said.

Lutfi said the tourism industry is very important for the Maldives as it contributes to 32 percent to the country's GDP (gross domestic product) and most of the country's development activities are based on the revenue from the tourism.

"If tourism goes down, our economy will go down," he said, adding "it is important for us to revive tourism as soon as possible."

In order to revive the tourism industry, the Maldives has informed all of its major markets that the Maldives is safe, the operation of most resorts are normal.

"We hope that by the end of March, occupancy rate can be increased to 80 percent."

He said most of the resorts have started renovation immediately after the tsunami. In the next few weeks or few months, many of the damaged resorts will start function.

As all resort islands belong to the private sector, the role ofthe government will be assisting the private sector in the rebuilding and reconstruction process.

Lutfi said the government will also take part in the marketing of the products of the resorts. The government has a plan to invite the media from major tourism destinations to show them the truth of the country's tourism industry.

Lutfi said he is confident that the country's tourism industry will bounce back in six months. "It is a unique country. It is a wonderful country for most of people to enjoy. People can have a wonderful holiday here,"he added.

Lutfi stressed that it is the right time for people to come here to spend their holidays. "If you come here at this time, our people will be mostly encouraged. It will contribute to the economy and reconstruction. It will also contribute to the growth of the tourism industry as well."

"My request to the people would be that during this difficult time do not abandon us, do not abandon the Maldives, but rather come here and contribute to us," Lutfi said emotionally.

Source: Xinhua