Recklessness Could Shatter the Fragile Tourism Recovery

The pandemic hit global tourism more than any other industry. When lockdowns and restrictions started last March, tourist numbers fell off a cliff. They have barely improved since. Most people, along with most commercial aircraft, remain grounded. But in Maldives, it has been a different story.

Tourism here, particularly at the top end of the market, has taken off. Some luxury resorts, including our own, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, have achieved higher revenues each month since October, than we did during the same period in 2019. The one island, one resort concept, the fact travellers must arrive with a negative PCR test, and the Government's successful handling of the virus, has created a perception of safety, making Maldives an attractive destination during uncertain times. Meanwhile, competitor destinations such as Mauritius, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka remain shuttered.