The total operational capacity of tourist accommodation establishments across Maldives has risen to 941.
The latest weekly statistics publicized by the Ministry of Tourism reveal that six more tourist facilities reopened doors to tourists across the Maldives, including four guesthouses and two liveaboard vessels.
As such, the four guesthouses that resumed operations between January 26 and February 2 are one each in Gulhi island of Kaafu atoll, Thulusdhoo island of Kaafu atoll, Thoddoo island of Alif Alif atoll and Konday island of Gaaf Alif atoll.
The total operational capacity of tourist accommodation establishments has risen to 941 with this development including 162 resorts, 623 guesthouses, 10 hotels and 146 liveaboard vessels.
The number of operational beds increased to 53,942 as well, of which 38,822 are in resorts, 1,360 are in hotels, 10,878 are in guesthouses and 2,882 are in safari vessels.
Maldives currently has a capacity of 1,143 tourist facilities which include 157 safari vessels, 819 hotels and guesthouses and 167 resorts. This means that of the total facility-capacity, 11 safari vessels, five resorts, 186 guesthouses and hotels are yet to resume operations.
Guesthouses currently in operation are:
- 12 guesthouses in three islands of Haa Alif atoll,
- Eight guesthouses in three islands of Haa Dhaal atoll,
- Three guesthouses in three islands of Shaviyani atoll,
- Six guesthouses in three islands of Noonu atoll,
- Two guesthouses in two islands of Raa atoll,
- 40 guesthouses in 12 islands of Baa atoll,
- Four guesthouses in four islands of Lhaviyani atoll,
- 241 guesthouses in 10 islands of Kaafu atoll,
- 121 guesthouses in eight islands of Alif Alif atoll,
- 70 guesthouses in nine islands of Alif Dhaal atoll,
- 50 guesthouses in five islands of Vaavu atoll,
- Four guesthouses in four islands of Meemu atoll,
- Seven guesthouses in two islands of Faafu atoll,
- Four guesthouses in four islands of Dhaalu atoll,
- Four guesthouses in three islands of Thaa atoll,
- Three guesthouses in one island of Laamu atoll,
- Seven guesthouses in six islands of Gaaf Alif atoll,
- Six guesthouses in four islands of Gaaf Dhaal atoll,
- 18 guesthouses in Fuvahmulah City,
- 13 guesthouses in six districts of Addu City in Seenu atoll
The ministry on January 1 facilitated the introduction of Homestay in the Maldives as well, with the first of its kind launched in Dhiggaru island of Meemu atoll. This comes under the president’s tourism development vision and policy to make tourism and its benefits to the island communities, accessible.
Nearly four months since borders were closed, Maldives reopened borders on 15 July 2020 and at first, resorts and liveaboard vessels were given the green light to begin operations. Guesthouses outside of the Greater Malé Region were permitted to resume operations on 15 October 2020. Authorities allowed the reopening of guesthouses in the capital region on 14 December 2020.
