Guesthouse Association of the Maldives (GAM) has announced 77% of individuals working in the sector wish to reopen for business in July.
GAM made the announcement following meetings held to identify the effects of COVID-19 on guesthouses. Speaking to PSM News, President of GAM Moosa Nasih said two meetings of the series have been completed, adding the series of meetings are held separately for the atolls. He stated the first meeting was held for the islands of Kaafu atoll except Male’ and Hulhumale’ while the second meeting was held for islands of Alifu Dhaalu and Alifu Alifu atoll.
As per the Maldives Safe Tourism Guideline compiled in a bid to revive the hard-hit tourism industry, resorts are expected to be opened by July and guesthouses are expected to be opened by August. However, the GAM president said a vote taken among the guesthouses widely expressed interest to reopen the guesthouses around the same time as resorts noting extensive discussions were held on the matter. In this regard, he noted 77% of the guesthouses are in favor to reopen business in July.
GAM stated the findings of the meetings are shared with the Ministry of Tourism for consideration. The third meeting of the series will be held on April 30 for islands of Baa atoll.