The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has organised a roadshow in New Delhi on March 22, where Dr. Abdulla Mausoom – Minister of Tourism, Thoyyib Mohamed – Managing Director of Madives Marketing & PR Communication and Dr. Hussaib Niyaz – High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to India were present to interact with the travel-trade fraternity of New Delhi and update on the post pandemic situation and latest Covid-19 norms in Maldives.
While interacting, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom – Minister of Tourism informed that the decision of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to open the boarders of Maldives when everyone else was closing and his dedication to move on with the tourism has proven a bold step in re-establishing touristic activities in Maldives. MMPRC has set a target of 1.5 million tourists and 10m bed nights in the year 2021.
The Minister further informed that the current year will be the ‘Year of Investment’, many projects hindered last year will move on and the Government will open 28 new islands for tourists arriving in Maldives.
Thoyyib Mohamed – Managing Director of Madives Marketing & PR Communication informed, “Confirm booking at a tourist establishment registered with the Ministry of Tourism is mandatory for all the travellers arriving in Maldives. In addition, all the tourists are required to submit an online ‘Health Declaration’ form within 24 hours prior of departure. Travellers are also required to present a Negative RTPCR test report within 96 hour of scheduled departure. All tourists arriving in Maldives, regardless of their nationalities are granted a 30 days free Visa on Arrival.
A delegation of sellers from Maldives including Lily Beach Resort, Adaaran Resorts, Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives, Emerald Maldives, Baglioni Resorts Maldives, Sun Siyam Resorts, One Above Travel Maldives, Conrad Maldives, Coco Boduhithi, Island Life Travel and Maldivian – the national airline of the country participated at the roadshow.
Since the reopening of the borders, the arrival statistics has shown gradual and constant growth. As per the statistics of Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Maldives, by the end of 2020 India became the number one source market with 62,905 Indian tourists holidaying in the island country, thus accounting for 11.3 per cent of the total market share.
