Guesthouses in the Maldives has officially reopened as the first guests arrive in Maafushi Island. The first guests received a welcome from Maldives Tourism Minister, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom. Furthermore, the biggest guesthouse in the Maldives, Kaani Palm Beach is now open as well.
The government announced to reopen guesthouses originally in August 2020. However, plans were changed as an extra precaution due to COVID-19. Currently, only guesthouses outside the Greater Male’ Region received permission to reopen. Here is a full list of guesthouses set to reopen today, according to the Ministry of Tourism:
- Sabba Beach Suite
- Maakoalhi Lodge
- Huvan Inn
- Plumeria
- Plumeria Sea View
- Sands Inn Mathiveri
- Aqua Lodge
- Kanborani
- Nala Veshi Inn
- Ocean Vibes Guesthouse
- The Sunrise Huraa
- Maldives Seashine Guest House
- Arena Fushi Seaview
- Kaani Palm Beach
According to the ministry, the issuing of the permit for guesthouses will be based on consent from Island Council. For tourists visiting the Maldives, they must present a negative PCR test before arrival in the Maldives. All guesthouses in the Maldives need to follow the guidelines by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). And also the guidelines from Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC).
In addition to that, all islands with guesthouses operational should have a COVID-19 quarantine facility on the island. Likewise, the island should also have a chosen vehicle to transport guests to facilities (just in case a traveler tests positive for COVID-19). The hospital on the island also must have the capabilities to deal with COVID-19 cases as well.
Also read: New Record Number of Tourist Arrivals on a Single-Day Since Border Reopening
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense impact on everyone associated with the tourism industry. But, since the border reopening, tourist arrivals to the Maldives have been growing at a steady pace.
