Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has expressed hope to open half of the resorts in the Maldives for operations by the time the borders are reopened on July 15.
Speaking at a press conference held at the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) to inform the public on the preparations to open the borders, Tourism Minister Ali Waheed said the aim of the administration is to operate at least half of the resorts from a total of 150 establishments to cater for visitors. The minister revealed 41 resorts expressed interest to bring their properties back in to operation when a circular was issued by the Ministry of Tourism before announcing the date the borders will reopen. The minister said the total number of resorts starting operations will be revised and announced in the coming days. He also noted some resorts are preparing to commence operations in August, September and October.
The main gateway of the Maldives, Velana International Airport (VIA), has been closed since March 27 after the first COVID-19 cases were reported in the Maldives on March 7. Most of the economic activities in the Maldives are currently suspended with the closing of the airport.