Tourism Industry Highlights for May 2021

We’ve rounded up the Maldives’ tourism industry highlights for May 2021. Compared to the previous months of this year, the month of May presented some challenges to the tourism industry.

As COVID-19 cases spiked in the capital of the Maldives, several countries issued travel warnings to the island nation. Meanwhile, the Maldives has also placed a temporary suspension on tourist visas for travellers from South Asian countries.

Despite these challenges, the island archipelago welcomed 64,613 Tourists in the month. The tropical holiday destination continued to maintain its status as a leading destination in the world both in terms of safety and value. This was proven when the world’s largest travel platform, TripAdvisor honoured numerous resorts in the country with the Travellers’ Choice Award.

Without further ado, here are the Maldives’ top tourism industry highlights for May 2021.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands Opens its Doors

It’s another new possibility for the modern traveller to experience the Maldives. The island of wondrous depths, Patina Maldives finally opened its doors on 18th May 2021. This luxury resort will be operated by Patina Hotels and Resorts; the latest hospitality concept of Capella Hotel Group.

This new escape appeals to a new generation of travellers seeking connections with themselves and the world around them.

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Honour Resorts in the Maldives

Numerous resorts in the Maldives received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award. Notably, Kandolhu Maldives and Mirihi Island Resort claimed a spot among the Top 25 Hotels in the World. 4 resorts in the Maldives were also included in the Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts in the World.

TripAdvisor also declared Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa as the most Picture-Perfect Hotel in the World. Moreover, this year, the capital of the Maldives, Malé was ranked in the 20th place among the ‘Top Emerging Destinations in the World’.

65% of Employees in the Tourism Industry Gets Fully Vaccinated

By the end of May 2021, 65% of employees in the tourism industry received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, 95% of employees in the industry have also received the 1st dose of the vaccine.

Maldives Surpasses 450,000 Tourist Arrivals for the Year

In May 2021, the Maldives surpassed 450,000 tourist arrivals. With this, the island nation achieved over 30% of its goal to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2021. According to the statistics from the Tourism Ministry, a total of 454,383 tourists visited the Maldives from 1st January 2021 to 31st January 2021.

Saudia Starts Flight Operations to the Maldives

Saudia started flight operations to the Maldives on 20th May 2021. According to Velana International Airport, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia will operate four weekly flights to the tropical holiday destination.

Citizens of Saudi Arabia who received two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine (or one shot at least two weeks before travel), those who recovered from COVID-19 within the last 6 months and the citizens under 18 are allowed to travel.

The Maldives Participates in Arabian Travel Market

The Maldives was showcased at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held from 16th May 2021 to 19th May 2021. Alongside the government body mandated with the promotion of Maldives, 37 tourism establishments were showcased under the Maldives at the leading international travel and tourism event for the Middle Eastern Market.

Plans Announced to Establish a Travel Corridor between UAE and the Maldives

At the Arabian Travel Market, Maldives’ Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Aminath Shabeena revealed the two nations are in the process of creating a travel corridor. This travel corridor will allow travellers who received the two doses of any World Health Organization-approved vaccines to travel between the Maldives and UAE without a PCR test.

More exciting headlines are on the way for June 2021. In fact, another new resort at Fari Islands has already opened its doors on 1st June 2021. Keep up with the latest travel updates by following us on Twitter and join our community on Facebook.

Feature image by Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

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.