The Maldives has officially launched Homestay Tourism.
The first home to be registered for homestay tourism is a house named Moorithi in M. Dhiggaru.
In a special ceremony held Saturday at Dhiggaru, Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom presented Moorithi house owners with a registration letter for the three rooms allocated in their homes for homestay purposes. An American couple and the UN's Special Representative to the Maldives, Kathryn Haswell, were the first guests to stay at the home.
Speaking at the function, Dr. Mausoom said the introduction of homestay tourism in Dhiggaru resulted from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's efforts.
Managing Director of FENAKA Ahmed Saeed, President of MATATO Abdulla Suood, President of Guesthouse Association Abdulla Nasheed, and senior officials from the Tourism Ministry were present at the ceremony.
Although concerns by the community on the introduction of the homestay concept in the Maldives, Dhiggaru Council said while the island has a small land area, homestay business was expected to be successful. The council would work with relevant authorities to ensure that the program is regulated well. It further said the homestay concept is unlikely to cause social issues.
