Maldives guesthouses outside the greater Male’ region will reopen tomorrow, 15th October 2020. The much-anticipated resumption of guesthouse tourism comes as COVID-19 cases significantly reduce in the Maldives. COVID-19 cases in the Maldives are predominantly based in the Greater Male’ region. The population density of Male’ City is vastly higher than any of the other islands in the country.
The ministry of Tourism earlier announced to formulate a guideline to administer the reopening of guesthouses. This will require all tourists departing from guesthouses in local islands to undertake a PCR test within 72 hours before their departure.
With extensive safety measures, guesthouses were originally due to reopen in August 2020. However, the Maldives delayed the resumption as an extra precaution. The issuing of the permit of guesthouses will be based on consent from Island Council. Likewise, guesthouses need to follow the guidelines by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC).
In addition to that, before issuing permits the island councils must ensure that isolation and quarantine facilities are present on the island. Moreover, the island must have a chosen vehicle to transport the patients from guesthouses to facilities (in case a traveler test positive for COVID-19). The hospital of the island also must be equipped to deal with COVID-19 cases as well.
Since the country’s first guesthouse opened in 2008, the industry has since grown tremendously. However, COVID-19 has had an immense impact on the socio-economic lives of Maldivians and everyone associated with its tourism industry. Hence, any sudden changes to the Maldives’ risk level have a significant impact on the industry’s ability to attract visitors and therefore, the rest of the economy.
Also read: Over 223 Tourist Facilities Operational in the Maldives
According to the ministry of tourism, as of 6th October 2020, 223 tourist establishments have reopened. Meanwhile, more than 24,000 tourist beds are now operational in the island archipelago.
