Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has expressed hope that tourist facilities can begin to operate without any losses starting from next month, considering the fast-increasing occupancy rate.
Speaking to PSM News, Tourism Minister Mausoom said the tourism industry has made remarkable progress since borders were reopened following a three-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the minister noted over 60% of the 51,000 tourist beds available in the Maldives have been brought back into operation. He added the bed occupancy has been increasing at an encouraging rate, and expressed hope tourist facilities will begin operating without losses starting from December.
Speaking further, the tourism minister said the most important task currently in hand is conveying the message to tourists that the Maldives is ready to welcome them. Noting the message is being conveyed with the help of industry partners, the minister said public cooperation is needed to ensure the message is conveyed fully.
Maldives reopened its borders on July 15, more than three months after borders were closed as part of the measures imposed to stop the spread of COVID-19. Tourist arrivals have been steadily increasing since borders were reopened, with over 40,000 arrivals recorded so far since reopening of borders.
Over 50% of the post-lockdown tourist arrivals were recorded in October, with 21,515 tourist arrivals. The daily average of tourist arrivals in October increased to over 600 per day, compared to 318 in September, 246 in August and 117 in July.