Tourism Industry Highlights for July 2021

We have rounded up the tourism industry highlights for July 2021. Looking at the statistics, tourist arrivals have increased in July 2021 compared to June 2021.

One of the leading tourist source markets, India made comeback in July as the Maldives reopened its borders for South Asian travellers. Arrivals saw a dramatic increase by the end of the 4th week of the month with the daily average increasing from 1,827 to 3,204.

Diving even more into the statistics, arrivals have exceeded the 2020 annual total of 555,494. With this, the Maldives moves another step closer to achieving its target to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2021.

COVID-19 situation in the Maldives has also impr o ved with locals now allowed to travel without quarantine (to islands that aren’t under monitoring) if they received 2 doses of the vaccine. Many residents in the capital visited islands for the Eid holidays with this ease.

The government of the Maldives has also secured enough vaccines for the entire eligible population of the country.

More chapters are written into Maldives’ tourism success story every month. And this success is certainly visible from these top tourism industry highlights of July 2021.

Arrivals in 2021 exceed the annual total of 2020

A little more than a year since the island nation reopened its borders, in mid-July tourist arrivals to the Maldives exceeded the annual total of 2020. In addition to that, within the first 6 months of this year, arrivals have increased by 56.2% compared to the previous year.

Tourist arrivals in 2021 surpass 600,000

Towards the end of the month on 28th July, tourist arrivals have surpassed 600,000. From 1st January 2021 to 28th July 2021, Russia has been the Maldives’ biggest individual tourist source market. Meanwhile, neighbouring India ranked at second place among the leading individual markets.

Maldives resumes issuing visas for South Asian travellers

Maldives resumed issuing on-arrival tourist visas to South Asian travellers on 15th July 2021. Colliding with this, the daily average of tourist arrivals increased as well. Likewise, one of Maldives’ leading tourist source markets, India has made a comeback.

Accor Announces Plans to bring S/O Hotels & Resorts to the Maldives

Accor signed a hotel management agreement with S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited and Wai Eco World Developer Pte. Ltd. (WEWD) to introduce SO/ Hotels & Resorts to the Maldives.

Scheduled to open in 2023, the new resort will nestle on the third island of CROSSROADS Maldives. Furthermore, Accor currently operates 05 resorts in the Maldives.

World Travel Awards nominates the Maldives in 10 regional categories

World Travel Awards nominated the Maldives in 10 prestigious regional categories for its 28th annual programme. The Maldives claimed the coveted title of the ‘World’s Leading Destination’ last year.

The Maldives is nominated for the following Indian ocean categories:

Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2021
Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2021
Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2021
Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2021
Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2021
Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2021
Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2021
Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2021: Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation
Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination 2021
Indian Ocean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2021

Abu Dhabi adds the Maldives to the green list

Towards the end of July 2021, Abu Dhabi updated its quarantine-free travel green list with the inclusion of the Maldives. The Emirate added eight countries; Bahrain, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and the Maldives to the updated list.

With this, travellers who fly to and from the Maldives will no longer need to self-isolate once they return to Abu Dhabi.

Tourist arrivals will possibly increase further in the coming months with peak arrivals season around the corner. To keep up with the latest travel trends and news, follow us on Twitter and join our travel community on Facebook.

Feature image by Accor

This summer, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with yourself. In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21st, the resort hosts an immersive five-day yoga retreat from June 20th to 24th, guided by the highly experienced and respected yoga instructor Emilia Métaireau. With its serene surroundings, the retreat provides a peaceful sanctuary for wellness seekers to refresh their mind, body, and spirit while embracing the transformative power of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement.

A Mid-Summer Reset in Paradise

Held at an ideal time for a mid-summer reset, this retreat invites participants to rediscover their inner balance in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Surrounded by the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and unspoiled beauty, guests step away from their routines and focus on restoring their energy and clarity. Moreover, Emilia, whose teachings span over a decade and more than 2,500 hours of global experience, brings a grounded and expansive presence to the experience. She blends breathwork, ancient wisdom, and conscious movement, guiding each guest toward a deeper connection with themselves.

A Thoughtful and Immersive Daily Practice

The retreat begins each day with rejuvenating sunrise yoga, allowing guests to wake up and center themselves before embracing the day ahead. In the evenings, the focus shifts to calming rituals designed to soothe the body and still the mind. To enhance this immersive experience further, guided meditations and energy healing practices integrate seamlessly into the program, creating a journey of self-discovery and spiritual connection. Each session is thoughtfully crafted to help participants not only practice yoga but also experience the deeper emotional and mental benefits that come with it.

Exploring the Five Koshas: A Journey Inward

A key focus of the retreat is the ancient yogic philosophy of the five koshas—five interconnected layers of being that shape our experiences of life, health, and spirituality. These layers include the physical body (Annamaya Kosha), the energy body (Pranamaya Kosha), the mental body (Manomaya Kosha), the intellectual body (Vijnanamaya Kosha), and the bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha). Throughout the retreat, guests explore these layers through mindful movement, meditation, and yoga, with each practice designed to bring them closer to a state of peace, clarity, and self-awareness.

Luxurious Spa Treatments to Complement Your Journey

Adding to the holistic experience, guests indulge in treatments at the resort’s luxurious AVI Spa, a sanctuary perched over the water and designed to promote deep relaxation and wellness. Named after the local word for “sunshine,” AVI Spa offers a variety of signature treatments and therapies that nurture the body and soul, perfectly complementing the retreat’s focus on mindfulness and rejuvenation.

An Idyllic Setting for Renewal and Rejuvenation

Furthermore, the stunning location of the resort enhances the retreat experience. Situated at the southern tip of Raa Atoll, bordering a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a juvenile manta ray aggregation site, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort offers a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for reflection and rejuvenation. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, it provides exclusive benefits to guests, including indulgent amenities and luxurious accommodations. The resort features overwater villas, an adults-only area, an exquisite spa, and a variety of dining options, ensuring that each guest enjoys a complete experience of luxury and wellness.