The Effects of COVID-19 on the Development and Well-being of the Maldives Guest House Community

Abstract

The effects of COVID-19 on the tourism industry are widely discussed in international literature, but research on its impact on small businesses, such as guest houses, remains limited. This study examines the effects of the pandemic on the development and well-being of the guest house community in the Maldives. It focuses on those affected by the temporary restrictive measures on the business. The qualitative study involves interviews with 10 Maldivian guest house owners conducted via Zoom and Google Meet. The data are analysed using content analysis, and common themes and patterns are identified from the participants’ verbatim interview transcripts. The practical implications, limitations, and future research recommendations are discussed, including examining guest house tourism resilience. The findings reveal that most guest house managers were unprepared for a pandemic of this magnitude, and government assistance for guest house recovery was insufficient. This study provides valuable insights to decision-makers and policymakers, aiding in understanding the pandemic’s impact on guest houses, formulating community recovery strategies, and preparing for potential natural or man-made disasters.