A research conducted by Maldives National University (MNU) has revealed the tourism occupancy rate of the Maldives will be low during the last two quarters of 2020.
MNU conducted a research into the projected effects on the tourism industry of the Maldives in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was carried out by MNU between April and June this year with input from 64 tourist facilities across the Maldives, including 40 guest houses, 16 resorts, 6 liveaboards and 2 hotels.
The research showed the occupancy rate during the third quarter is expected to be at just 14%, while it is projected to increase to 39% during the final quarter of the year. The research further revealed the occupancy rate is expected to rise next year, with 61% and 44% occupancy rates projected for the first two quarters respectively. Meanwhile, the occupancy rate is projected to be at 43% and 61% during the last two quarters respectively.
The government has announced the decision to reopen Maldivian borders for international operations on July 15. While resorts would resume services immediately upon reopening borders, guest houses are expected to resume services in August.