193 guesthouses in the Maldives currently in operation
23 ޑިސެމްބަރު 2020 | ބުދަ 10:41Guesthouses in 29 islands of 10 outlying atoll have resumed operations
Guesthouses in outlying atolls were allowed to resume operation on August 15
A total of 193 guesthouses have been given the green light to resume operations thus far, after operations were halted due to the standstill on the country's tourism industry following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Tourism revealed that by Monday, guesthouses in 29 islands of 10 outlying atoll have resumed operations.
The greatest number of guesthouses in operation are in Thoddoo island, and 3,610 beds are currently in operation at guesthouses across the scatter of islands.
2,026 of these beds are in Kaafu atoll, 32 in Haa Alif atoll, 24 in Noonu atoll, 154 in Baa atoll, 666 in Alif Alif atoll as well as 326 in Alif Dhaal atoll.
Further, 266 beds are in operation in Vaavu atoll, with 24 beds in Gaaf Dhaal atoll, followed by 50 beds in Gnaviyani atoll and 42 in Seenu atoll.
Since Maldives reopened borders for international travel on July 15, after a little over three months since the government halted issuing on-arrival visas on March 27, a total of 472 tourist facilities are in operation, out of which 193 are guesthouses, 139 are resorts, 130 are liveaboard vessels and 10 hotels.
39,697 beds are being operated across these facilities nationwide, 32,380 of which are being operated in resorts, 1,186 In hotels and 2,521 in liveaboard vessels.
Since border reopening, guesthouses in outlying islands were allowed to resume operations on October 15, and authorities initially decided to allow guesthouses in the Covid-19 epicenter, the capital region to resume once cases reduce. Guesthouses in the capital were allowed to resume on December 14.
PCR testing is mandatory for travelers making bookings at guesthouses, 72 hours prior to departure.
The government earlier publicized guidelines to be followed upon reopening of guesthouses, after discussions with island councils, guesthouse owners as well as industry professionals.
Under the guidelines, tourist guesthouses will not be allowed to operate in houses or buildings where locals reside, there must be a designated isolation location for mild positive cases among staff and tourists, away from local residents and there must be a designated place for quarantine of contacts among staff and tourists, away from locals as well. It was earlier established that guesthouses must facilitate quarantine and isolation locations in case the need arises.
