First homestay tourists arrive in Dhiggaru to a warm reception

Dhiggaru, an inhabited island in M. Atoll, welcomed four visitors on Saturday, as Maldives expands its award-winning tourism sector with homestay tourism.   

The tourists received a warm welcome upon arrival in Dhiggaru on Saturday evening. 

Speaking at the ceremony held to celebrate the launch of homestay tourism, Dhiggaru Council’s President Ahmed Nishan said the launch of homestay tourism was the result of the hard work of many. 

Nishan said Dhiggaru plans to make use of the opportunity by promoting Maldivian culture, tradition and craftmanship, and making it something people can earn an income from. 

“We have the opportunity today to set an example. I assure you; this new beginning will be an exemplary one,” he said. 

Nishan said that the launch of tourism in Dhiggaru had been a long-held dream of the island’s youth, and that the island had a lot of work ahead to expand tourism in the island. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Tourism Ministry’s Senior Executive Officer Mohamed Razzan said homestay offers a source of income for residents of small islands such as Dhiggaru, and will help develop the local economy. 

The tourists who arrived in Dhiggaru on Saturday were greeted to a performance of langiri - a traditional dance, a water salute, and a performance of boduberu. 

A large number of the island’s residents gathered at the harbor to greet the tourists.