Male’, Maldives – The Ministry of Tourism of Maldives has announced that the total number of tourist arrivals into the country for the month of November so far, has exceeded 18,000.
The 18,723 tourist arrivals in November is the highest traffick into the country in a single month since the country opened its borders on 15th July, after a three month long closure due to Covid-19. With this, the total arrival into Maldives since border opening has risen to 59,105.
In July, only 1,752 tourists visited Maldives. This number increased to 7,628 in August and to 9,538 in September. This number more than doubled in October, with 21,515 tourists which creates hope for the country’s tourism reliant economy which came to a standstill as international borders were forced to close, effectively ceazing most tourism activities.
During the five months since opening borders, the most number of tourist arrivals have been from Russia, with 12,961 tourists, while UAE, America, UK, Spain, German, France, Brazil, Ukraine and Egypt have also contributed majortly to the country’s industry.
Currently fifteen airlines are operating to Maldives and an additional ten airlines have planned to start their operations before the end of this year.
Tourism Ministry has also established a tourism help desk at Velana International Airport’s arrival terminal. The purpose of this help desk is to provide information and assistance to the tourists who visit Maldives during this time.
Ministry highlighted that through this counter, all information on Health Protection Agency (HPA) and Tourism Ministry’s rules and regulations set amid the Covid-19 would be available. In addition to this the counter would also facilitate in assisting tourists to solve any issues which might arise between them and resorts, guest houses and safaris.
Ministry also stated that as the airport was the first entry point to the country which is heavily dependent on tourism, and that by having a help desk at the arrival terminal would allow tourists to solve any issues which might arise and give them a warm welcome to the country. According to the ministry, the help desk would also increase the safety of the tourists more than now.
The Desk will be open for flight operational hours and travelers and operators who need assistance may call +960 9423131 to get their assistance.
After the borders have opened, Tourism Ministry has been proactively doing various activities and taking measures to promote tourism in the country including promotional events and high safety standards in the tourism sector to prevent spreading of Covid-19 virus in the resorts and other tourist facilities.
Maldives also got certified as a “Safe Travel” destination which is safe for tourists to travel to in September. This stamp is provided to countries which are the safest with regards to Covid-19.
Only a negative PCR test not exceeding 96 hours is necessary to enter Maldives, and travelers of every nationality are offered a free tourist visa of 30 days on arrival. Split stays among exclusive tourist resorts, guesthouses on local islands and safaris are also now permitted.
