Rewrite Maldives to reopen borders for international tourists from July 15 - Maldives to welcome back international tourists from July 15

Maldives to Reopen Borders for International Tourists from July 15

The Maldives, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, will be reopening its borders for international tourists from July 15. The announcement was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on June 23, and it comes as a much-needed relief for the Maldives tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New Guidelines

The Maldives government has put in place several guidelines and safety measures to ensure the safety of tourists and locals alike. Tourists will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result, issued no more than 72 hours prior to their departure, upon arrival. They will also be subjected to a mandatory health screening and thermal scanning upon arrival at the airport. Tourists who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to take a PCR test.

In addition, tourists will be required to stay in a designated resort or liveaboard vessel for the duration of their stay in the Maldives. They will not be allowed to stay in local guesthouses or hotels, or visit local islands. This is to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission to local communities.

Impact on the Tourism Industry

The Maldives tourism industry is a major contributor to the country's economy, accounting for more than 28% of GDP. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry, with tourist arrivals dropping by more than 50% in the first quarter of 2020.

With the reopening of the borders, the Maldives government hopes to revive the tourism industry and provide much-needed employment opportunities for locals. The government has also introduced several stimulus measures, such as waiving off several taxes and providing financial assistance to businesses, to support the industry.

Future Prospects

The Maldives government is cautiously optimistic about the future prospects of the tourism industry. While the reopening of borders is a positive step, the government is aware of the need to balance economic benefits with public health concerns. The government has emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals.

The Maldives tourism industry is known for its top-notch service and pristine natural beauty, and the reopening of borders is sure to attract tourists looking for a luxurious getaway. While it may take time for the industry to fully recover, the reopening of borders is a step in the right direction.

Conclusion

The Maldives will be reopening its borders for international tourists from July 15, 2020. The Maldives government has put in place several safety measures to ensure the safety of tourists and locals alike. The reopening of borders is a much-needed relief for the Maldives tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maldives hopes to revive the industry and provide much-needed employment opportunities for locals. The government is cautiously optimistic about the future prospects of the tourism industry and has emphasized the need to balance economic benefits with public health concerns.