Homestay Tourism has been introduced to Maldives on Saturday.
This concept was initiated as the new year began in Meemu atoll Dhiggaru. The first tourists staying in Dhiggaru under this concept was welcomed by a water salute traditional activities.
The first group of tourist arrived to Dhiggaru includes a foreign couple in addition to UN Resident Coordinator to Maldives, Catherine Haswell.
Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, President of Guest House Association Abdulla Nasheed, and President of Maldives Association for Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) Abdulla Suood participated in the ceremony held to inaugurate home stay tourism.
A residence named Moorithi is the first house registered in Dhiggaru to facilitate homestay tourists. Dr. Mausoom had handed the homeowners the permit allowing them to accommodate tourists in three rooms of their house.
President of the Dhiggaru Council Ahmed Nishan told Mihaaru news on Friday that even though he recognizes there are challenges in ensuring homestay is carried out well, he is confident this can be a successful venture for them.
“The youth would like the opportunity to be able to serve tourists. With [homestay] this opportunity is provided, and this will be carried out in a sustainable way in the future,” Nishan said.
Tourism was first introduced to Maldives as “one-island, one-resort,” and this was how it was carried out for decades until Former President Mohamed Nasheed introduced guest house tourism to Maldives 12 years ago. This changed the landscape of tourism in Maldives entirely, providing employment opportunities as well local islands’ economy to prosper. Kaafu atoll Maafushi had reported that their island receives approximately USD 73 million (MVR 1 billion) each year through tourists. Maafushi is the island with the most number of guesthouses in Maldives, at 46 total guesthouses, all of which have 840 rooms.
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