The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism allowed 110 guesthouses to start operations in different islands since 15 October in order to boost tourism and the local economy, Sun news reported. 

The country opened its border for tourism on 15 July this year but initially allowed only resorts and safaris to operate. Guesthouses in the residential islands had not been allowed to operate then. 

The tourism ministry later opened guesthouses in residential islands in a phased manner in accordance with all COVID measures recommended by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in place.
 
Till now around 110 guesthouses have been permitted to operate with all health protective measures. 

Around 2,202 beds are currently operational in these 110 guesthouses while the country has a capacity of more than 10,000 beds in all guesthouses. Guesthouses in residential islands are a major source of livelihood for locals in the country. Around 6,000 people directly get employment from it.