Afeef's praise to guesthouses: a positive change for tourism

One of the early pioneers of tourism, Champa Hussain Afeef has praised the guesthouse tourism sector, stating that it allowed all types of tourists to experience Maldives.

In an exclusive interview to Avas, Champa Hussain Afeef said that guesthouse tourism allowed not just the top end tourists but all to enjoy and experience the Maldives. He said this was a right step in diversifying the tourism sector. Afeef said there was a perception that Maldives was only for the top dollar customers and guesthouses opened the country to an untapped market.

"There's a perception abroad that Maldives is an expensive place. That's changed now, anyone can come to Maldives. When we go to Europe, get into a taxi and talk about Maldives, they'll say its too expensive for them. With the guesthouses, average budget tourists can access this destination, its a positive thing," Crown Champa Chairman said.

He said the guesthouse tourism was vital and therefore must be regulated. Afeef noted that regulating the sector will create a buffer against any negative perceptions on the country, sector and maintain quality.

"Guesthouses are a good thing. But they have to be regulated to provide a good service to guests. That is appropriate regulation. For example, for resorts there is a regulation that stipulates set standards for rooms. Regulations must be there to protect the guests," Afeef said.

He said there was no negative effects from the guesthouse sector to the resort market. Afeef said the visitor profile for guesthouses and resorts were radically different and no amount of guesthouses or promotions will not entice the high end tourist to go to guesthouses.

"I do not believe that there will be an impact. Guesthouse visitor will go to the guesthouse. Saying there will be an impact is like comparing a five star resort to a four star one," Afeef added.

Guesthouse tourism is a thriving sector in the country, with around 390 in operation.