Can’t get enough of the Maldives from one place? The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism has announced that the island nation will allow split stay between resorts, hotels, guesthouses, and liveaboards with prior approval from the Ministry.
On August 2020, the Maldives announced split stay between resorts and safaris. However, holidaymakers can now split their stay between all types of accommodation in the Maldives. The Maldives tourism ministry believes allowing split stay between places would encourage tourists to holiday in the Maldives longer.
This decision would also assist increase the tourist arrivals to the Maldives. As of 15th October 2020, the Maldives recorded a total of 27,217 tourist arrivals. And this month, from 1st October to 15th October 2020, Maldives recorded 8,350 arrivals. Russia is the leading tourist market during this period with 2,308 arrivals. Likewise, the Russian Market has been the strongest source market in terms of tourist arrivals since the borders reopened.
The Maldives has also resumed guesthouse operations outside the Greater Male’ Region on 15th October 2020. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 28 guesthouses now remain operational (as of 20th October 2020). Although Guesthouse tourism was initially planned to resume in August 2020, it was delayed to 15th October 2020 as an extra precaution to COVID-19.
Maldives has also made it mandatory for tourists to present a negative PCR test upon arrival. Travellers should take this test less than 96 hours before guests depart to the Maldives. Moreover, travellers must submit this PCR test result when completing the Traveler Health Declaration Form. And all tourists must submit this form via the immigration website.
Also read: Maldives Resorts Reopening its Doors on November 2020
While COVID-19 has negatively impacted the Maldives’ tourism industry, since the border reopening on 15th July 2020, tourist arrivals are rising at a steady pace. Furthermore, more airlines have also announced to operate flights to the Maldives in the coming weeks.
