Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has announced plans to introduce a stimulus package for guesthouse maintenance.
The minister made the announcement during a meeting held with stakeholders of the guesthouse industry. The meeting held virtually was attended by Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) and several other stakeholders of the industry. During the meeting, participants shared several concerns and challenges faced to the guesthouse business industry amid the global pandemic.
The tourism minister detailed on what the ministry can do for the guesthouses during the current situation. In this regard, minister announced plans are being formulated to introduce stimulus packages for the industry in efforts to ease maintenance expenses. The minister further said further efforts will be launched to ease payment of utility bills and taxes.
Concluding the meeting, the minister advised all guesthouses to follow the guidelines of relevant authorities. He also assured to work towards resolving the challenges faced by the industry.
The government has decided to permit the reopening of guesthouses in the atolls from October 15 onwards. However, guesthouses in the Greater Male’ Region will remain closed until the spread of COVID-19 is controlled in the capital.