Hopes Instilled Regarding Opening Guesthouses in the Greater Male’ Region by Mid-December

Maldives heavily relies on the tourism industry to uphold its economy. Unfortunately, at the wake of international arrivals to the country was temporarily suspended. Although this ban was lifted on 15^th July, local tourism was nowhere close to resuming. Months forward, on 15^th October, guesthouses located outside the Greater Male’ Region of which a permit had been granted by the Ministry of Tourism resumed operations. At November, guesthouses situated at the Greater Male’ Region still remains closed.

During an interview given to local news agency, Public Service Media, the Minister of Tourism has stated that there is prospective hope regarding recommencing guesthouse operations in the Greater Male’ Region by mid-December. However, this is subject to the approval of the Health protection Agency (HPA) in addition to being able to maintain the number of COVID-19 positive cases ratio as 5% consistently for 2 weeks straight.

He further highlights on the importance of operations of guesthouses for the tourism industry at the upcoming holiday peak season. Therewith, he all citizens to work together towards decreasing the number of COVID-19 cases, especially in the Greater Male’ Region.

Currently, 189 hotels and guesthouses have resumed operations with permission from the Ministry, across the nation. 

(Cover Photo: MM)