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Maldives to Suspend Tourists Travelling from India

tourists from India to Maldives
The Maldives’ Health Protection Agency has decided to suspend tourists travelling to the Maldives from India.

The Maldives’ Health Protection Agency has decided to suspend tourists travelling to the Maldives from India. Effective from 27th April 2021, tourists arriving from India will no longer be allowed to stay at tourist facilities in inhabited islands.

This decision will put a strain on the Maldives’ recovering tourism industry as India is currently the biggest tourist source market in terms of arrivals. According to the latest statistics from the Maldives’ Ministry of tourism, Maldives recorded over 83,289 tourists from India by 21st April 2021.

The Maldives’ declaration to suspend tourists travelling from India comes as the country faces a giant surge in COVID-19 cases. The Maldives’ neighbouring country recorded a whopping 349,691 positive cases of COVID-19 yesterday. Reports reveal that patients have died from a lack of oxygen.

The Guardian reports that almost 1.6 million cases have been registered in a week, bringing total cases to more than 15 million and n the space of just 12 days, the Covid positivity rate doubled to 17%, while in Delhi it hit 30%.

Since the Maldives reopened its borders in 2020, India remains as the biggest source market in terms of tourist arrivals. In 2019, India was the fastest-growing tourist market and became the leading market in 2020. In 2020, Maldives recorded 62,960 tourist arrivals from India.

Several airlines from India are operating regular flights to the Maldives. Budget airlines including GoAir and IndiGo operate frequent flights between the two countries.

Over the past months, countless celebrities from India have visited the Maldives and made headlines. While many dubbed the Maldives as the ‘New Goa’, celebrities are also facing backlash for choosing to holiday during the pandemic.

Maldives and India maintain close bilateral relations. Hence, the two countries have been friendly and close in strategic, economic and military cooperation. In addition to the innumerable financial contributions, India has also donated 200,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Maldives.

Feature image by Velana International Airport

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Explore a Multitude of Football Camps at Siyam World This Year!

As part of its ongoing line-up of five-star experiences, Siyam World Maldives kicked off a series of unforgettable spring football camps. The resort will be featuring star players Wayne Bridge, Adrian San Miguel Castillo, Francesco Totti, and Michael Owen.

Siyam World Maldives encouraged guests to let their football skills blossom over a series of football camps. These camps will utilise the resort’s state-of-the-art sports complex and FIFA-sized soccer pitch at The World Sports Arena. Participants enjoyed world-class coaching and immersive experiences designed to enhance their football techniques and passion for the sport.

Spanish Goal-keeper Adrian San Miguel Castillo

The action-packed schedule began with Spanish goalkeeper Adrian San Miguel Castillo. He graced the sandy shores from the 19th to the 23rd of March. Adrian is a key player for Liverpool FC and the Andalusia National team. During his time at the resort, he helped younger guests understand how to deal with pressure and develop key life skills. This also included developing a performance mindset.

Football Camp Experiences with Wayne Bridge

Next on the roster was Wayne Bridge who came to Siyam World from from 22nd to 31st March. He is a renowned English left-back, who returned to Siyam World for a second time already. With his infectious energy and wealth of experience from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, Wayne inspired guests to “tackle” challenges head-on and score big on and off the field.

Francesco Totti Lights up Siyam World Football Camp

Following Wayne’s lead was the legendary Francesco Totti, lighting up Siyam World for a second time as well. He visited from 28th March to 4th April. Totti is known for his flair and loyalty to AS Roma. He brought a touch of Italian passion to the Maldives, teaching participants the art of precision and creativity in football. 

Once described by Maradona as “the best player he has ever seen”, the gifted World Cup winner and legendarily loyal one-club player (AS Roma) will be on hand to help holidaymakers hone their football skills and play to their full potential.

Michael Owen Graces the Shores of Siyam World

Closing out the star-studded lineup was Michael Owen. He is the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winner, who graced Siyam World from the 1st to the 5th of April. Michael Owen is joining as part of the recently announced partnership with Football Escapes. Michael’s lightning-fast moves and goal-scoring prowess electrified the pitch, inspiring a new generation of football stars. Throughout the action-packed week, participants savoured daily football sessions led by Owen, a team of UEFA-licensed coaches, and internet sensation Eman – popularly known as SV2 from his viral YouTube skills videos.

Dressed in their personalized Rascal training kits, young players aged from five to 15 seized the perfect opportunity to refine all aspects of their game, from tactics to technical skills. To add to the holiday experience, families enjoyed a memorable parents’ match, providing moms and dads with a chance to showcase their skills on the pitch.

Collaboration with Football Escapes – Rip Ferdinand

Later this year, and in collaboration with Football Escapes, Rio Ferdinand will also be hosting a football camp from 28 October to 1 November. He is one of the most decorated English footballers of all time. Ferdinand is famous for being one of the world’s best defenders. He will be bringing the skills he learned whilst playing for West Ham, Manchester United and Leeds United plus the England national team. 

At Siyam World, we are undoubtedly a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering exceptional facilities for both water and land sports. My passion for football, which began in childhood collection jerseys of football legends, is embodied in our FIFTA- regulation football field. We host many football aficionados, including owners of prized jerseys and past champions who still share a deep love for the game. Siyam World is where sportsmanship thrives, providing an unparalleled destination for active trave;ers, says Ausy Waseem – Resort Manager at Siyam World.

The incredible resort has had the pleasure of hosting several other esteemed football legends. Italian champion Nicola Ventola graced the resort in January. Additionally, Bobo Vieri and Marco Materazzi also showcased their skills on the pitch. Joining them were players like Juan Sebastián Verón, Esteban Cambiasso, Roberto Pires, Eric Abidal, Carlos Puyol, and Jay Jay Okocha.

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