Maldivian democratic Party (MDP) has said that they will work through the 19th body of Parliament to eliminate discrimination between locals and tourists.  

The party has said this in a drafted plan for to be implemented for expanding guest house businesses.

As such, in a move to further develop the image of Maldivian tourism, there will be no more disparities between tourists and locals when it comes to plane and ferry ticket fares. MDP’s drafted proposal also dictates that tourists will not have to pay double tariff.  

The draft said that, in order to expand guesthouse services to all across Maldives, Island hotels, boutique hotels and homestay will be introduced in addition to guesthouses.

The draft stated that expanding income earned through tourism  can be achieved with improving transportation and travel services in maldives. As such, various airports throughout Maldives would be changed to international airports with improved services to match. The airports across Maldives will also be introduced to more frequently  scheduled flights as well the availability of chartered flights. The draft also included plans to develop basic services as well as services related to hospitality. These services include improving water and sewage infrastructure in every single island as well as improve healthcare on each island. New plans of promotion include introducing holiday packages specialised to foreign doctors and opening up the opportunity for locals to carry out specialist consultation with these doctors.

As such, the draft composed by MDP also noted implementing support services in the guest house business. There will also reportedly be the introduction of  a system to acquire the capital required to start new businesses.

The party’s proposal draft also consisted of fortifyungdecentralizatoon efforts ina bid to exoand the tourism industry in Maldives. As such, working with local island councils to dedicate certain areas of the islands for the development of tourism. MDP’s draft also noted that the allocation of land will be categorical and in a way that does not incur harm to locals residents on the island. As such, opportunities to be leased pieces of land for various levels of businesses will be opened up on each island. Specially allocated guest beaches are said to be set up on the islands where lifeguards will be stationed.

A front office that can give out information on local councils and departments, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week will be made available under the new system. There will also be various tourism and hospitality concerned training programs organized by local councils. As such, the aim would be provide excellent services to tourists through familiarizing Maldivians with the industry and creating awareness through multiple programs. The Green Tax taken from guest houses will be awarded to local councils in order to be used in environmental protection and conservation efforts.  

The Maldivian Democratic Party said that, as per the new changes, local councils will also be granted a budget by the government to use as a promotional budget.