Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has revealed that the government aims to add an average of 8,000 tourist beds each year.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Mausoom noted that 60,000 beds are currently in operation and that the aim is to open 8,000 more each year, mostly in resorts, hotels, and guesthouses, while safaris will also contribute its share of tourist beds. He said that the increase in tourist beds will provide benefits to all stakeholders in the industry.
Furthermore, Minister Mausoom noted the growth of guesthouse businesses and said hotels and guesthouses consist of 23% of the tourist beds, adding that 111 islands are now involved in tourism. He also said that three of the 10 resorts to be opened this year have been delayed as a result of logistical issues due to China’s COVID-19 lockdown.
In addition, Minister Mausoom also spoke on the various projects and concepts planned to further develop the Maldivian tourism industry and highlighted that Maldivians are heavily involved in expanding services at guesthouses. He added that the ministry aims to provide more opportunities to increase the number of Maldivians working in the tourism industry.