Minister Mausoom: Will make homestay Maldives a model copied by the world

Tourism Minister, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has said that the homestay model about to be introduced by the Maldives is going to be a model copied by the world.

Homestay model is when a tourist pays to stay with a local family at their house sharing the space.

Aiming to launch the model in the first week of January 2022, the Ministry has chosen Meemu Atoll Dhiggaru to be the first island to employ the model. The island famous for their fish paste "Rihaakuru" is being promoted as "Rihaakuru Island" as the Island Council aims to launch the homestay model with 30 rooms.

Talking on PSM's "Raajje Miadhu" program last night, Dr. Mausoom said that the tourist target of this year has been reached and the hope is to have 1.3 million tourists by the end of the year. He said that the bed occupancy this year would exceed that of 2019.

Highlighting that numerous work is being put in to promote Maldivian tourism, the Minister said that tourism in the country has to change direction and showcase the culture and traditions.

He said that he is working with industry professionals to make the homestay model something that is adopted by other countries as well.