Over 24,000 beds operational in tourist establishments nationwide

More than 24,000 beds are being operated in numerous tourist establishments across the nation, reveals the Ministry of Tourism.

In a press release publicized on Thursday to provide updates on the ongoing Covid-19 situation in the Maldives, the ministry revealed that a total of 223 tourist facilities including resorts, hotels and liveaboard vessels have resumed operations accounting for more than 24,000 beds, as on October 6.

With the re-opening of borders on July 15, the tourism industry has begun flourishing “at a steady pace” once again, highlighted the ministry.

Maldives recorded over 17,000 tourist arrivals since border re-opening and major changes have been brought to tourism policies which now mandate tourists to provide negative Covid-19 certification upon arrival, since September 10.

This is one of the key steps to ensure Maldives “truly” remains a safe destination for zealous travelers.

The island nation was granted the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on September 15, paving a path for a better, optimistic future for the industry, said the ministry.

Earlier, the government revealed that guesthouses are preparing to resume operations on October 15.

In light of this, the ministry stated that they remain hopeful to observe promising results and a “significant boost in our journey towards recovery of the tourism industry”. The ministry has promised to ensure health standards are met as per the guidelines established in the local tourism facilities to ensure safety for both locals and visitors.

A guideline is currently being formulated to administer the opening of guesthouses which will require all tourists departing from guesthouses in residential islands to undertake a PCR test within 72 hours prior to their departure.

From the date of border reopening to October 5, a total of 22,007 tourists have arrived in the country.

During July, Maldives recorded 1,752 tourist arrivals which increased to 7,628 the next month. The country welcomed a whopping record 9,538 arrivals during September and 3,140 visitors have been recorded for the ongoing month so far. The government aims for 850,000 arrivals, despite having expected to break last year’s groundbreaking tourist arrival record.

The top source market was Russia with 3,598 arrivals, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 2,967 arrivals. Coming at third with 2,032 visitors is the United States. Other top source markets include the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Brazil, Ukraine and Egypt

The ministry highlighted that a tremendous increase in international flight operations to the island nation, has also been observed. Some of the international airlines to have resumed operations to Maldives since border re-opening include Aeroflot, Air India, Edelweiss, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Indigo, Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines as well as Turkish Airlines.