The Ministry of Tourism has established regulations in preparation for the commencement of homestay tourism in January 2022.
The standards that homestay tourist establishments must achieve, according to the recently amended guest house regulations released by the tourism ministry, include a minimum room space of 120 square feet with attached bathroom.
Furthermore, the rooms given for homestay tourists must have a separate entrance, windows for adequate ventilation, natural lighting, and the ability to lock the door from the inside. While each room is required to include a double bed, proprietors can expand bedding to accommodate extra guests as needed.
Licenses to run homestay facilities will be provided for a period of five years under the newly amended guest house regulations.
Moreover, before the permits are issued, the establishments must register with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) to pay income tax, and the criminal histories of the board of directors of individual businesses will be assessed.
According to the tourism ministry, homestay tourism will commence in the Maldives in January at Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll. Dhiggaru Island Council reported that 50 rooms were ready for local tourism on the island, with a target of at least 200 rooms by the conclusion of the current council’s tenure.
