Over 100 resorts will be permitted to reopen by the start of 2021: Tourism Minister

Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has revealed over 100 resorts will be permitted to resume operations by the start of next year.

Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Tourism Minister Mausoom said the ministry has been permitting resorts to resume operations following the reopening of borders, based on the order of requests. The minister said resorts are unlikely to generate a good income despite being permitted to reopen, as the number of tourist arrivals is still low due to the limited movement of international flights. However, he expressed hope the situation will improve in the coming months, adding over 100 resorts are expected to be back in operation by the start of 2021.

The tourism minister noted it is very important that the COVID-19 situation in the Maldives improves in the coming months, in order to recover the tourism industry. He expressed hope the number of international flights and tourist arrivals will start to increase as the country takes further measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

While resorts and safaris were permitted to resume operations upon reopening of borders on July 15, guesthouses have not been permitted to resume operations. The efforts to restart tourist activities in the Maldives have been hindered by a second wave of COVID-19 cases in the country.