Amendments to Hotel Development Regulations come into effect

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]New regulations on hotel development in Maldives have come into effect as of the 11 August 2016.

The amendments published in the national Gazette, outlay several conditions for licenses to be issued for hotel development in inhabited islands.

Under the new amendments, hotels can only be developed in islands with 24 hour electricity and health care facilities along with a Police Station situated in the island.

The regulation also states that all hotels should be equipped with infrastructure to provide electricity, water, sewerage, land line telephones, facsimile and internet services 24 hours. Additionally, emergency electricity infrastructure should also be built, with permits from local utilities companies, adhering to the minimum standards set by the Energy Authority of Maldives.

While resorts and guest houses dominate the hospitality market in Maldives, city hotels are also booming with national statistics showing 1428 beds being operated by 12 hotels, across the country.

A number of these hotels are currently located in islands with low populations and may be affected by the amended regulations.

The Tourism Ministry defines tourist hotels as properties that operate more than 50 beds in 25 rooms. Properties below this standard are given different licenses under the Guest House Regulations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]