Insights on the Next Step Forward in the Recovery of the Maldivian Tourism Industry

The backbone of the Maldivian economy, its tourism industry was exploited by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic more severely than any other owing to the fact that a travel restriction was imposed for international tourists in order to subdue the rapid spread of the virus across the country. Tourism in the country resumed after almost 3 months since then, on 15^th July. All stakeholders are working in collaboration to reinstate the industry back to its prestigious status. As a result, a total number of 26,720 has been recorded to have arrived in Maldives from 15^th July to 14^th October.

To further increase the stats, there have been discussions on what steps to take forward. Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has shared his own insights on the subject matter. At an appearance at the ‘Rajje Miadhu’ program hosted by Public Service Media (PSM), he referenced that a popular destination marketing strategy was by exhibiting stories of the rich culture and heritage behind the destination. This puts Maldives at an advantage as our geographically dispersed islands each have a story of their own.

Apart from this, in the light of the marketing campaign launched advertising the country as a safe tourist destination, the Minister notes he hopes to welcome about 1 million tourists into the country on the upcoming year.

In a separate interview given to a local media agency ‘Hurihaa’, the Minister has also disclosed future plans on allowing tourist arrivals to Maldives from China, the hub of the coronavirus pandemic – which since have recovered a great deal - citing the economic benefits it would entail for both the countries. According to statistics, Chinese nationals dominates 30% of the Maldivian tourist market.
At present, the Maldivian tourist industry is flourishing at a steady pace with increased number of tourist arrivals and flight frequencies.