Maldives Orders Resort Spas Closed After Islamic Protests

In the wake of protests last week in the Maldives by the opposition Adhaalat Party seeking an end to "anti-Islamic" activities (see prior posting), the Maldives government yesterday ordered hundreds of luxury hotels to close their spas.  On Islam reports on developments. The tourism industry is a vital part of the Maldives economy, drawing some 850,000 tourists each year to the islands whose total population is under 400,000.  High end resorts on secluded islands can cost tourists up to $12,000 per day.