Maldives to Reach the Annual Arrival Rate by December End
Tourism Minister of Maldives, Honourable Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has revealed that the country will be able to reach its anticipated target rate for tourist arrivals by 25 December 2020.
The minister also added that despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country will be able to reach the expected target reach of 100,000 tourists by the 16th of the month.The Maldivian tourism Industry as a whole was directly impacted by the worldwide spread of the virus, which resulted in the necessary steps taken by the government to revise the arrival target of the year 2020 to 500,000.
Regardless of the challenges faced, the industry is slowly bouncing back up, with some travel markets breaking their arrival records of 2019. Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has also shared a tweet in regards to the growing accomplishments.
“#Maldives tourism is bouncing back! Nov arrival from some markets broke the 2019 records,” praised the minister, with much enthusiasm.
According to the latest travel statistics, the current total number of annual arrivals is 468,693 with Russia leading the list, whilst the total number of arrivals since the reopening of borders is 85,846.
Arrivals from Egypt increased by forty percent during the past month, followed by arrivals from Kazakhstan which surged by 24.4 percent. Other developments include a five percent arrival increase from Russia, a 2.9 percent arrival increase from Brazil, and a 0.9 percent arrival increase from Ukraine.
After the first case of the virus was identified in the country in March 2020, Maldives closed its borders and went into nationwide lockdown. The country was quick to take the necessary measures for the safety of everyone at risk by establishing quarantine facilities and relevant operating procedures.
On 15 July 2020, the Maldives opened up the borders with 43 resorts in operation. While the country restarted welcomed guests to enjoy their stay with the hotels, there were new guidelines and procedures placed, such as the airports being newly fitted with thermal scanners and markers placed to ensure social distancing.
The unique geographical formation of Maldivian islands helped it maintain the status of being a safe destination and a safe haven for visitors all over the world. The country also took prominent measures to make sure that the rest of the world was constantly made aware of the safety measures and important procedures in place for tourists
Several marketing activities and campaigns were launched, providing a platform for tourists from around the world to rediscover the happy moments and wonders of Maldives.
