Tourism Industry Highlights for June 2021

We have rounded up the tourism industry highlights for June 2021. In terms of tourist arrivals, Maldives recorded the least number of tourist arrivals in June this year.

However, the tropical holiday destination maintained its status as a globally preferred holiday destination, welcoming over 55,000 tourists in the month.

Towards the end of June 2021, the COVID-19 situation in the capital of the Maldives has eased. Likewise, the government lifted several restrictions in the capital region, alongside the announcement to welcome tourists from South Asian countries once again.

Check out the top tourism industry highlights for June 2021.

Opening of 02 New Resorts

June 2021 saw two new resorts making their debut in the Maldives. On 1st June 2021, the legendary Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C made its debut in the Maldives, with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago on the north-eastern tip of North Malé Atoll The Ritz-Carlton Maldives will revolutionize the luxury landscape of the Maldives.

Tourism Industry Highlights for June 2021 — *Image: Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives*

On 6th June 2021, Kochi-based firm, MFAR Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd opened Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, also a luxury resort. This new resort features an experience-driven concept and is home to a diverse collection of gourmet dining options.

Hilton Announces Plans to Open a Fourth Property in the Maldives

Hilton Maldives Amingiri — *Image: Hilton Hotels & Resorts*

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd to launch its 4th property in the Maldives; the 109 all-villa Hilton Maldives Amingiri.

Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd is a subsidiary of Maldivian construction and real estate development company, Amin Construction Pvt Ltd. Currently, Hilton operates Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Maldives.

05 General Manager Appointments

Ibrahim Nahid: Villa Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of established leader, Nahid as the general manager of Paradise Island Resort & Spa. According to Villa Hotels, Nahid will lead the activation of the new concept on the property and instigate several sustainable initiatives in keeping with Villa Hotels & Resorts mission to preserve and protect the natural environment.

Kanruethai Roongruang: Kan takes the helm of two resorts, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru in the Maldives. She brings over 20 years of experience in the Banyan Tree Group to the Maldives.

Amila Jeewantha Handunwala: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo announced the appointment of Amila Jeewantha Handunwala as the new General Manager of the property. He brings over 25 years of experience in the industry to the luxury resort. According to Raffles, Amila has previously led hotel operations, sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution strategies in the Middle East, South Asia and Europe.

Nicolas Khairallah: After working as the Resort Manager for Gili Lankanfushi, Nicholas took the helm of the resort as the General Manager from 1st June 2021 onwards.

Patrice Aira: With an extensive career across the globe — United States, Canada, Egypt and the Indian Ocean, Patrice brings 25 years of expertise in the industry to LUX* South Ari Atoll.

The Maldives Surpasses 500,000 Tourist Arrivals

The Maldives passed the half a million tourist arrivals mark in June 2021. The island nation also has an ambitious goal to welcome 1.5 million tourists this year.

Tourism Ministry Announces Plans to Welcome Travellers from South Asia Once Again

The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism announced plans to resume issuing on-arrival tourist visas to visitors from South Asia. From 15th July 2021 onwards travellers from South Asian countries (including India) can visit the Maldives with a negative PCR test. The ministry said further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Emirates Carries over 100,000 Passengers to the Maldives

By 23rd June 2021, Emirates carried over 100,000 passengers to the Maldives. Likewise, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates made over 1,218 movements to the Maldives between 1st January and 23rd June 2021.

With the resumption of issuing visas to travellers from South Asia, tourist arrivals to the Maldives will likely increase in July 2021 compared to June 2021. To keep up with the latest travel trends and news, follow us on Twitter and join our travel community on Facebook.

Feature image by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

As international travel continues to rebound, a recent update from the United States government highlights rising safety concerns in various parts of the world. The U.S. State Department now lists 21 countries under its highest travel advisory level — a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” designation. This classification warns Americans to avoid visiting these destinations due to severe safety risks, including conflict, crime, terrorism, and unstable political conditions.

The State Department added North Korea and Burkina Faso to this list in April, bringing the total to 21 nations. These updates reflect the department’s ongoing efforts to inform travelers about potential threats abroad.

What Is a Level 4 Advisory?

The U.S. State Department uses a four-tier system to guide travelers on the level of caution they should exercise in foreign countries:

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Level 3: Reconsider travel
Level 4: Do not travel

Officials designate countries as Level 4 when they identify life-threatening risks due to ongoing violence, instability, or legal complications that could affect foreign nationals, especially Americans. This warning serves as a serious alert to the unpredictable nature of local conditions.

The 21 Countries to Avoid

As of the latest update, the following countries fall under a Level 4 advisory:

Afghanistan
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Burma (Myanmar)
Central African Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
North Korea
Russia
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Ukraine
Venezuela
Yemen

Authorities flag these nations for various concerns, such as armed conflict, political unrest, or the targeting of foreign nationals through kidnapping or arbitrary detention. In some regions, reports indicate that local authorities have detained U.S. citizens without clear cause or access to consular support, particularly in places like North Korea and Iran.

Travelers should also note that not all areas within a country carry the same risk. Some nations contain specific high-risk regions that raise the overall advisory level. For example, Mexico includes several states under Level 4 due to crime and kidnapping, while the rest of the country holds a Level 2 or 3 designation.

What Travelers Should Do

Although the list targets U.S. citizens, international travelers from other countries can benefit from reviewing multiple sources before finalizing travel plans — including their own national advisories, international news, and firsthand accounts.

Those who choose to travel to higher-risk areas should consider taking the following precautions:

Create a detailed emergency plan
Register with their embassy, if available
Monitor official government updates
Familiarize themselves with local laws and customs

Staying Informed While Planning Travel

Officials regularly review and update travel advisories to reflect global developments. A country listed under a higher advisory level today may shift to a lower level as conditions change. Travelers who stay informed and flexible can better navigate international travel. Whether preparing for business, leisure, or personal visits, understanding advisory updates allows travelers to make informed decisions. By staying aware of evolving conditions and available guidance, individuals can approach international trips with greater preparedness and confidence.