Tourism Minister: Now is the time to restart domestic tourism

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated that now is the time for domestic tourism and that work to reopen guesthouses and resorts to locals is to be conducted. 

The Minister said that the move would bring economical and social benefits to the Maldives. 

Police level discussions for the move are to be commenced in February.

“A model to restart domestic tourism based on efficiency and safety needs to be introduced.” Said the Minister. 

While there are more than 500 guesthouses in the Maldives, a large number of locals often visit these establishments for their holidays. Locals also travel to islands in the nation to spend holidays, bringing with them economic benefits to these establishments. 

Currently, locals are barred from visiting guesthouses. However, locals are permitted to visit resorts with a 72-hour negative PCR test. Currently, there are 307 operational guesthouses in the Maldives.