President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the guesthouse business in the Maldives began before the Presidency of Mohamed Nasheed in 2008.

Speaking during a campaign event in Kaafu Guraidhoo ahead of the MDP Presidential Primary next Saturday, the President stated that the big change that the tourism industry in the Maldives is currently experiencing happened about 10 years ago.

He further stated that while the conversation is being had about guesthouses, it is pivotal to look back and find out who had actually facilitated the business to bloom.

As such, he stated that initially guesthouses were not permitted to be made on any island except Male' City. This was changed by the Parliament before Nasheed assumed office in 2008.

He highlighted that while Nasheed did work on expanding the guesthouse industry, it is pivotal for MDP to remain in power to further develop the industry.