Ministry of Tourism has revealed Kaafu Atoll currently has the highest number of operational guesthouses in the Maldives.
As per the statistics of the tourism ministry, 37 guesthouses across 7 islands in Kaafu Atoll have resumed operations since guesthouses were officially permitted to reopen on October 15. The total bed capacity of guesthouses in Kaafu Atoll is currently 1,028 beds.
Meanwhile, 34 guesthouses in 4 islands of Alifu Alifu Atoll have also resumed operations, taking the bed capacity of the atoll to 474. 12 guesthouses have reopened in Vaavu Atoll, while Alifu Dhaalu Atoll and Baa Atoll each currently have 6 operational guesthouses. Other regions with active guesthouse operations include Addu City, Fuvahmulah and Noonu Atoll.
A total of 102 guesthouses are currently in operation in the Maldives. This represents a bed capacity of 2,132.
Guesthouses were permitted to reopen on October 15, 212 days after guesthouses were forced to close due to the spread of COVID-19 around the world. However, guesthouses are required to fulfill the health and safety guidelines of Health Protection Agency (HPA) and obtain the approval of respective island councils before being allowed to resume operations.