Since the border reopening on 15th July 2020, the Maldives tourism industry has begun to flourish at a steady pace once again. According to the Ministry of Tourism, as of 6th October 2020, 223 tourist establishments have reopened while more than 24,000 tourist beds are now operational.
According to the statistics from the Ministry, a total of 22,007 tourists have arrived in the Maldives since border reopening (as of 5th October 2020). Furthermore, as of 5th October, Russia is the highest-performing market, in terms of tourist arrivals to the Maldives with a market share of 16.3% and 3,598 arrivals. On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates ranks as the second-best performing market with 2,967 arrivals and a market share of 13.5%. Followed by, the United Kingdom ranks as the 4th highest performing market in terms of tourist arrivals.
The Maldives recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals on a single day since the border reopening on 2nd October 2020 with 1,011 arrivals. Furthermore, a number of international flights are resuming operations to the island archipelago. Likewise, the Maldives has established an air bubble between India, permitting movement of Indian tourists, businessmen, work-permit holders to the sunny side of life.
Travelers need to present a negative COVID-19 test on arrival, as made mandatory from 10 September 2020. In addition to that, on 15th September 2020, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) granted the Maldives the Safe Travels Stamp. Meanwhile, on 3rd September 2020, Velana International Airport (VIA) received ‘Airport Health Accreditation’ by Airports Council International (ACI). VIA became the second airport in the Asia Pacific region to receive the accreditation.
Also read: The Maldives Tops Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2020
Guesthouse tourism will restart on 15th October 2020. According to the Ministry of Tourism, a guideline is being formulated to administer the opening of guesthouses. This will require all tourists departing from guesthouses in local islands to undertake a PCR test within 72 hours prior to their departure.
