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Reasons why Maldives may be a popular tourist destination amid Omicron wave

Mohamed Rehan
16 January 2022, MVT 12:23
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa -- Photo: Telegraph UK
Mohamed Rehan
16 January 2022, MVT 12:23

The new Omicron variant has been spiking up positive case numbers all over the world in recent weeks and it appears that governments across the globe are putting fresh impetus to curb the spread Covid-19 virus.

Meanwhile, international travels have been significantly affected by the introduction of the new viral variant and several tourism-heavy destinations are already reporting in on the dwindle of tourist arrival figures to their respective destinations.

However, all may not be lost to one particular tourism-centric destination amidst the chaotic increment of the viral contagion; Maldives – and there are specific reasons to this!

Timely and responsible update of safety regulations

Dated January 1, 2022, Maldives Immigration confirms travel restrictions imposed on southern African countries which include South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini earlier on November 27 have since been lifted, which would give room for tourist arrival growth from African region to the Maldives; which is an emerging market zone.

New safety parameters in place require inbound travelers except those with tourist visas to undergo Covid-19 PCR tests between third and fifth day from the date of arrival; while the tourists have been provided with leeway.

All inbound travelers without an exception must have negative PCR tests results within a window of 96-hours prior to first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives. Only children below the age of one year are exempted from this rule.

This ensures that the safety dragnets in the island nation are functional and effective which is precisely the assurance many of the travelers need amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Quarantine exemptions

Having to sequester yourself for weeks long upon arrival at your tourist destination can really bum you out and cull all the vacation-mojo you had going for you. This is one major reason why travelers when selecting their holiday destinations are opting for places with guaranteed 'no-quarantine' statuses.

For starters, quarantine can not only dent out your travel itinerary that has got no room for anything other than fun and excitement, but also can ram up your expenses unnecessarily. Since the beginning of 2022, the Maldives Immigration ensures that travelers entering to the island nation under tourist visa will be exempted from quarantining. This makes the island nation ideal for many already.

Enclave Resort Tourism

The concept of enclave resort tourism or 'Enclave Tourism' is predominant in the Maldives. Which means to state that the luxury tourist resorts in the island nation are separated from the local communities.

This not only provides privacy to the tourists who are looking to be unbothered completely while vacationing, but also amplifies safety and security for tourists since they will come less in contact crowds, thereby dampening most of the possibilities that may lead to them contracting contagious diseases.

There is a sense of safety to know that upon arrival in the Maldives; at the premier gateway, most of the travelers will reach safely and directly to their tourist resort destinations without coming in contact with too many people.

Golden Jubilee Year of Maldives Tourism

Twenty twenty-two is the year Maldives will be celebrating 50 years of splendid and international standard hospitality, that has existed since 1972. Earlier, the country's government body with the tourism mandate; Ministry of Tourism, had announced a year-long commemoration will take place.

Meanwhile, the state has launched a countdown to the mark the Golden Jubilee of the Maldivian tourism industry; which falls on October. With celebrations abound, Maldives state government along with tourism promotional bodies are expected to increase destination marketing efforts and promotions targeting various international markets.

Efforts of Visit Maldives

Promotional poster by Visit Maldives to announce the new partnership with BBC -- Photo: Visit Maldives

On January 12, it was reported that Visit Maldives has signed on a global advertising agreement with none other than BBC Global News in a bid to promote Maldives as a top-of-the-mind tourist destination in international tourist circuits.

The global advertising campaign aims to promote distinct marketing content inclusive of intimate stories told from the perspectives of Maldivian locals about the country's successful and consistently expansive tourism industry.

On the same date, it was confirmed that Visit Maldives has launched a month-long campaign with Italy's Sporting Vacanze to boost destination momentum and popularity in the European market. Coinciding with the two aforementioned efforts, Visit Maldives has also launched a joint advertising campaign with ITAKA to boost Maldives tourism popularity in the Polish market, which is a new and emerging tourist source market to the island nation. The new and improved efforts would mean a stronger sentiment will be created in amongst Polish travelers towards Maldives tourism, thus converting it into possible improvement in traveler numbers from the country.

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