Operations have begun for 75 safari boats, revealed the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM).

NBAM revealed that the Ministry of Tourism has given permits to operate a total of 86 safari boats out of which operations will begin for 10 safari boats during the upcoming month and one will begin operating during October.

While the government has begun issuing approval to begin operating safari boats, they will be observing whether the set guidelines are followed.

Safari operators are required to submit their safari operating licenses and a tax clearance form from the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) along with the declaration form to the tourism ministry.

The association has urged safari operators to seek permits prior to the publication of a schedule of safari services at the ministry as hindrances may surface in acquiring declaration forms if there are pending tax payments at MIRA.

At a time the government has begun permitting safaris to operate across the nation, a lot of efforts are being implemented to ensure the safety of tourists since the country reopened borders for international travel on July 15.

As such, arrangements have been made in Hulhumalé to conduct PCR testing on safari tourists and tourists as well as crew onboard safari boats have been banned from entering inhabited islands.