Tourism Ministry reveals home-stay guesthouse regulations

Ministry of Tourism publicized the regulations establishments need to follow as the country gears up to kick off home-stay guesthouses in January 2022. 

According to the newly updated guesthouse regulations, permits to operate home-stay establishments will be issued for five years. 

Additionally, before issuing the permits, the establishments need to register at Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) to pay income tax, and the criminal records of the board of directors of individual companies will be evaluated. 

Furthermore, the ministry revealed the conditions that the establishment needs to meet as well. This includes only a maximum of five rooms with attached toilets, each measuring 120 squarefoot, in a single home-stay guest house.

Moreover, a separate entrance has to be provided, windows for proper ventilation and natural lighting should be in each room. 

While each room is considered as a double room, as per the regulations, owners can increase bedding to accommodate children. 

Home-stay tourism is slated to commence in Maldives in January, from M.DHiggaru. The Island Council of Dhiggaru reported that there were 50 rooms on the island ready for local tourism, with them targeting at least 200 rooms by the end of the current council's tenure.