The Republic of Maldives, recognised as one of the most recognised tourism destinations is planning to reopen its border next month in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The country is also planning to open for tourism with guidelines for protection against the COVID-19 virus.
The Maldives Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has mentioned that the country is planning to reopen on July 1. Tourists visiting from China, India, South Korea and Sri Lanka, and countries in the Middle East will be eligible to enter the country with commercial services operated by Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways. Visitors arriving in Maldives by private plane or yacht have already been given the permission to enter Maldives’ border from June 1.
Maldives is a country that largely depends on tourism for its economy. Tourism accounts to nearly 28% of the country’s GDP and over 60% of its foreign reserves. However, the tourism income of the country has hit an all-time low ever since it closed its borders towards the end of March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to reports, it has been announced by the Minister of Tourism that the country is set to declare itself as ‘safe tourism’ destination and a ‘COVID-free country’ to resume tourism activities and attract visitors when they start travelling in a post-pandemic world. It has also been informed that the destination cannot remain closed for much longer.
Authorities have already started to collaborate with relevant industry representatives to create a “Guideline for Restarting Maldives Tourism” from July. However, the Maldives continue to have travel restrictions in effect for 12 countries, including Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Tags: Coronavirus, Covid-19, Maldives, Maldives tourism
