Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated the Maldives is expected to record a total of 120,000 tourist arrivals in the remaining months of the year.
In an interview given to a local news outlet, Tourism Minister Mausoom said the current projection of tourist arrivals for the remaining months of the year is 120,000, based on the current situation of COVID-19 in the Maldives. However, the minister noted the country could record 500,000 tourist arrivals if the situation improves, raising bed nights to about 50% of the figure of last year. He said tourist arrivals would still be 70% lower than last year.
The tourism minister further noted tourists who have been visiting the Maldives since the country reopened its borders on July 15 have been staying for a longer period of time than the usual duration of stay by tourists prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed hope this trend will continue throughout the year, as it would be beneficial for resorts, safaris, guesthouses and other businesses associated with tourism.
The tourism minister also revealed discussions are ongoing with Health Protection Agency (HPA) to permit guesthouses to resume operations. The minister said the government plans to allow guesthouses to reopen as soon as possible, adding the discussions with HPA have been encouraging. He expressed hope guesthouses can be reopened in an effective model, noting guesthouses in atolls have assured it can provide its services in accordance to the guidelines set by HPA.
Resorts and safaris were permitted to resume operations on July 15, following the reopening of borders. The government initially planned to permit guesthouses to reopen in August, but decided to delay it due to another surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) has expressed concerns over the indefinite suspension of guesthouse operations, as most guesthouses are struggling to pay their staff and facing significant financial difficulties.