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

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*As announced on 27th May 2025 by Emirates