The Tourism Ministry has said several islands have expressed interest in homestay tourism.
The ministry's Senior Policy Director Ali Razzan said with the introduction of homestay tourism, several islands wish to host tourists under the concept. As requirements have to be fulfilled on the island level to start homestay tourism in their communities, he said that permits would be issued as soon as the arrangements are made.
While homestay tourism has been kicked off in Dhiggaru island, the next island is expected to be M. Maduvvari. The Tourism Ministry hopes to expand homestay tourism in sixty islands this year.
The homestay property in Dhiggaru island charges USD 40 per night, which is equal to the rates charged by local guesthouses. While the concept is expected to gain popularity, many have expressed concern that the program could cause several social problems within society.
One of the first homestay guests, a couple from Somalia arrives at Dhiggaru
