6,277 tourist arrivals to the Maldives has been recorded following the border reopening on 15th July 2020. Spokesperson of the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC), Dr. Nazla Rafeeq revealed that 6,277 tourist arrivals to the Maldives have been recorded since the Border reopening.
According to Dr. Nazla, 342 of these arrivals were recorded on 8 August 2020. Likewise, 360 individuals departed the Maldives on 8 August as well. In addition to that, 4,877 individuals have departed the Maldives since 15th July 2020.
The Maldives aims to reach an ambitious goal of 850,000 tourist arrivals by the end of this year. On 15th July 2020, Maldives opened its borders to international visitors, 110 days after closing the borders as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 facilities with testing, isolation, and hospitalization capabilities have been established in six regions across the Maldives. Response measures, guidelines, and protocols have been prepared and put in place, on par with international standards and requirements.
The government made the decision to reopen the borders, fully confident in the safety measures and preparations in place. Tourism is the backbone of the Maldives’ economy and accounts for a majority share of employment for the Maldivian labor force. The industry’s roots have spread to the very heart of the island homes of the Maldives. Tourism also contributes to over a quarter of the country’s GDP and is the source of over two-thirds of the country’s foreign currency income.
COVID-19 has had an immense impact on the socio-economic lives of Maldivians and all those associated with its tourism industry. Any sudden changes to the Maldives’ risk level have a significant impact on the industry’s ability to attract visitors and therefore, the rest of the economy. The COVID-19 tourism regulations and the geographical dispersal of cases in the country, in addition to the naturally isolated environments provided by islands, make the Maldives an ideal COVID-19 safe holiday destination.
