Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has said granting the authority to inspect guest houses to councils will save public funds.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of Guesthouse Inspection Training organised by the ministry, Minister Ali Waheed said the ministry has decided to transfer inspection mandates to councils, discontinuing the practice of teams from Ministry of Tourism to travel to islands to inspect the facilities. He said the transfer of authority would cut costs significantly.
Minister Ali Waheed said the administration aims to reduce the cost borne by the public and the transfer of inspection power is one such practice. Highlighting that the previous inspection practice cost over USD 32,000 from public funds, the minister said the newly embraced practice would require zero funds to carry inspections, which will in turn attract new businesses and investors.
While the ministry has run a training to develop officers, it had earlier this year conducted an operation to inspect guesthouses and city hotels. Of the 1000 facilities inspected, a few were found to be run without due approvals.
With the recent changes in facility inspection, councils are required to submit inspection reports to Tourism Ministry with the commencement of inspection of guesthouses, city hotels and travel agencies.
The participants at the training were briefed on the procedures involved in registration of travel agencies in the islands, development of land use plans in addition to the practices of inspection. Tourism Ministry said efforts of the administration to develop tourism in all parts of the country are well underway and positive outcomes of the efforts will be seen early next year.