Operational capacity of tourist facilities across Maldives rise to 941

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.

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.