Featured

$50k ‘safe tourism licence’, $100 visa fee, virus testing: Maldives invites comments on tourism reopening proposals

Published

5 years ago

May 19, 2020

Tourism authorities in Maldives have invited comments from industry stakeholders on draft guidelines, which — if finalised — will see the introduction of a $100 visa fee and mandatory on-arrival testing for coronavirus for all tourists when the island nation reopens its borders to visitors.

Draft guidelines published Tuesday by the archipelago’s tourism ministry say entry visa will be charged at $100 “until further notice” and will be issued only to tourists that have confirmed a minimum of 14 days’ stay at a single tourist facility with a “safe tourism licence”.

Before the Maldives closed its borders to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic, it issued a 30-day free visa on arrival to tourists of all nationalities.

Meanwhile, tourists arriving in the Maldives will be required to present a medical certificate not older than seven days for antigen PCR test or 14 days for antibody test which confirms negative Covid-19 test findings.

But all tourists will still have to undergo PCR testing on arrival. The PCR test will cost $100 per person.

Vacant middle seat

Speedboats as well as aircraft carrying tourists to resorts and liveaboards from the airport will have to keep every alternate seat vacant.

On arrival at the resort, guests will be escorted directly to their rooms without waiting for check-in at the reception. Guests will be provided with an online check-in form to be completed in their rooms.

Guests will not be able to leave their rooms until they get the result of the coronavirus test done at the airport. It is hoped that the results will be provided within a maximum of 48 hours.

During the “quarantine period”, meals will be served directly to guest rooms.

After test results are received, guests can go out and enjoy all the facilities available at the resort, but they have to practise social distancing whilst interacting with other guests or employees. Tables at restaurants will also be set at a distance of at least two metres and buffet meals will not be served.

Mandatory protective gear

Airports are required to have disinfection procedures in place for body, luggage and travel documents of visitors.

All staff, including airport employees, resort representatives and luggage handlers, will be required to wear face masks and gloves at all times. Luggage trolleys will be disinfected after every use and kept separately.

Tourists will be required to wear face masks on arrival, at the airport and during the domestic transfer to the resort.

Just like at the airport, staff will be required to wear whilst welcoming guests to the resort. Employees will also have to keep a minimum distance of one metre when communicating with guests.

Similar requirements will apply to tourists that have booked stays with liveaboard vessels.

What is the ‘safe tourism licence’?

The draft guidelines restrict tourism activity to tourist establishments with a so-called safe tourism licence.

This licence will only be issued to resorts and liveaboards that pay $50,000.

The conditions that have to be met by the resorts and liveaboards to get the licence include:

Allocate 10 per cent of registered guest rooms for isolation purposes.
Allocate facilities for quarantining staff, equivalent to 10 per cent of total workforce
Train guest service staff in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Train staff in social distancing and disinfection procedures
Emergency procedures in place to deal with suspected cases
Adequate stock of medically certified PPE
A resident doctor and nurse

Phased reopening

According to the guidelines, only resorts and liveaboard vessels that have the safe tourism licence will be permitted to open at first.

Guests can come to these tourist establishments either by private jet or superyacht from June 1, followed by charter and commercial flights a month later.

Charter flights and private jets will be charged a landing fee of $50,000. Superyachts will also have pay an entry fee fo $10,000.

Meanwhile, guesthouses and hotels will only be allowed to open from August.

There are no plans yet to allow cruise ships.

The tourism ministry expects the restrictions to be in effect until September “unless extended by the government”.

The ministry says the guidelines will only be finalised based on industry feedback.

“Ministry of tourism wishes to emphasise that this document is an initial draft and the government’s official policy will only be finalised and published after incorporating comments and suggestions from all industry stakeholders,” a statement read.

“We invite all concerned parties to highlight any concerns and to share their suggestions in relation to the procedures set forth by this document by emailing bureau@tourism.gov.mv before 25th May 2020.”

Maldivian officials have been bullish on their ability to contain the coronavirus outbreak and reopen the country in the third quarter of the year.

The government earlier formulated five scenarios with possible timelines for reopening borders and the tourism sector.

The best case scenario sees the country reopen borders by May, but the most likely scenario projects a July date for reopening the borders and restarting tourism in October. In the worst case, borders may only open by January 2021.

The coronavirus outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.

Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.

However, tourist arrivals saw a year-over-year decline of 22.8 per cent in the first 10 days of March. Officials say the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives could drop by half in 2020.

All international airlines have suspended scheduled operations to the Maldives, as the island nation enforced a blanket suspension of on-arrival visa in late March in a bid to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Even before the visa suspension, the Maldives had closed its borders to arrivals from some of the worst-hit countries, including mainland China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, Spain, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Visitors from three regions of Germany (Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg), two regions of France (Île-de-France and Grand Est) and two regions of South Korea were also banned from entering the country.

All direct flights to and from China, Italy, South Korea and Iran were also cancelled.

Cruise ships and foreign yachts were also banned from docking at any of the country’s ports.

With arrival numbers falling and the visa suspension in effect, several resorts across the Maldives had been closed.

Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.

However, the government is at present projecting a possible 13 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.

On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.

Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.

A six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 1,106.

Four deaths have been reported and 80 have made full recoveries.

The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.

The public health emergency declaration has allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, schools, colleges and universities.

Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks have also been shut.

Restaurants and cafes in the capital have been asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.

A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands is also in effect.

Note: This article was updated at 9.42pm local time Tuesday to better reflect the draft nature of the proposals and to include comments made by the tourism ministry in its statement.

Up Next

The real costs of closing the economy and the need for two approaches

Don't Miss

SriLankan Airlines to operate more repatriation flights from Maldives

Featured

From sunrise to sunset: Valentine’s Day bliss at Kuda Villingili

Published

4 hours ago

January 21, 2025

m@ldives

This Valentine’s Day, love takes centre stage at Kuda Villingili, a premier romantic retreat in the Maldives. With its sun-drenched beaches, indulgent dining options, and rejuvenating spa experiences, Kuda Villingili provides couples with an idyllic setting to rekindle joy and celebrate their love stories.

Since its inception, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been synonymous with romance. Its powdery white shores, crystal-clear waters, and expansive vistas offer a sanctuary where serenity and passion intertwine. The resort’s private villas are thoughtfully designed to enhance intimacy, featuring Beach Villas with private pools and views of both sunrise and sunset. Meanwhile, the Water Villas, perched over a vibrant blue lagoon, promise complete privacy and panoramic views of turquoise waters. Whether guests wake to the gentle hues of sunrise from ocean-facing beds or savor sunset’s fiery glow from their private pools, every moment in these villas is crafted to be a dream come true.

For Valentine’s Day 2025, Kuda Villingili invites couples to immerse themselves in romantic experiences as unique as the destination itself. Guests are encouraged to create joyful memories and redefine their love stories within this tropical paradise.

One of the highlights is the floating breakfast experience, offering an indulgent start to the day. Served in the privacy of villa pools, the breakfast includes gourmet selections paired with a bottle of Victoire Prestige Brut Rosé Champagne, setting the tone for a luxurious day.

In the evening, the ‘Crimson and Aqua’ dining experience by the largest pool in the Maldives promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Guests can savour Cantonese-style lobster, dumplings, and an array of desserts amidst tranquil waters and a lush tropical garden. Handcrafted cocktails, sparkling wine, or a bottle of red or white wine ensure every detail is perfect for the occasion.

For a more intimate setting, Mar-Umi Beach offers Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine in a curated menu designed for couples seeking both culinary adventure and romance. The dining experience is elevated with a bottle of sake or the finest sparkling wine, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the ocean.

Alternatively, couples can indulge in the ‘Sands of Love’ buffet at The Restaurant, featuring tropical delicacies and live cooking stations. Set beneath swaying palms and a starlit sky, this culinary offering blends exquisite flavours with an enchanting ambiance.

For those seeking relaxation, The Spa provides a Valentine’s package designed for connection and indulgence. This 2.5-hour coconut-inspired journey includes full-body massages, scrubs, and a floral bath, offering rejuvenation for the body and soul.

Throughout the day, guests can toast to love with specialty cocktails and mocktails at The Bar, crafted to capture the joy of connection. In the evening, The Bar transforms into a cozy venue for screenings of classic romantic movies, complemented by snacks and an intimate atmosphere.

To further celebrate love, Kuda Villingili offers complimentary activities such as partner yoga, couples’ painting sessions, heart-opening yoga flows, and outdoor games. Each experience is curated to foster connection and create enduring memories.

Kuda Villingili embodies the essence of romance through its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and turquoise waters. From private destination dining to stargazing under Maldivian skies, every moment is tailored to inspire intimacy and celebrate the extraordinary.

This Valentine’s Day, Kuda Villingili invites couples to rediscover romance in a haven where love is celebrated, cherished, and immortalised.

Featured

Dreamlike retreat: explore Maldives with Marriott Bonvoy Resorts

Published

21 hours ago

January 20, 2025

m@ldives

The Maldives is a destination where summer feels eternal, offering turquoise waters, pristine white sands, and serene tranquility. Through the ‘Endless Summer’ campaign by Marriott Bonvoy, travellers are invited to escape the winter cold or bask in perpetual sunshine with a limited-time offer. Guests can choose from a selection of luxurious resorts in the Maldives and enjoy benefits such as a full-board dining plan, complimentary speedboat or seaplane transfers, or up to USD 250 in resort credit. Additional perks include non-motorised water sports like paddle-boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and catamaran sailing, depending on the property. This exclusive offer, valid for a minimum stay of four nights, is available for bookings between January 20 and February 28, 2025, and includes Marriott Bonvoy points to unlock future travel opportunities.

The North Malé Atoll is a marine sanctuary renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and secluded luxury. Just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, it hosts three Marriott Bonvoy resorts. These waters, rich with stingrays, nurse sharks, turtles, and dolphins, offer exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities for adventurers of all levels. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, features 100 villas with ocean or lagoon views, infinity pools, and personalised butler service. Dining options span Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, while the Ritz-Carlton Spa offers treatments inspired by Yin and Yang. Guests can also explore curated dining and art installations at Fari Marina Village and participate in the Defining Moment ceremony featuring Boduberu drumming.

The JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, located in the largest lagoon of Kaafu Atoll, offers 80 luxurious pool villas with ocean views. The resort combines contemporary design with personalised service and features seven dining venues, including Athiri and Nikkei, which serve steak and Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. The Spa by JW offers exclusive treatments by BABOR, while younger guests can enjoy activities at the Family by JW Kids’ Club and the teens’ zone.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, set on a private natural island, provides 176 beachfront cottages and overwater villas that blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and lush palm groves, the resort offers family-friendly programs such as beach picnics, cooking classes, and nature walks. Its farm-to-table dining and coral restoration initiatives, alongside complimentary stays and meals for children under 12, make it a sustainable and family-oriented retreat.

North Ari Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, and Baa Atoll showcase the Maldives’ extraordinary natural beauty. North Ari Atoll is famous for iconic dive sites and whale shark migration routes. W Maldives, reopening in March after a transformation, offers 77 overwater and beach villas with bio-boho designs. Guests can explore the house reef, enjoy unique dining experiences, and participate in private island excursions.

In Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort features 77 villas with private pools and panoramic views. The resort offers Ayurvedic treatments, the Maldives’ largest hydrotherapy pool, and signature experiences like the Champagne Sabering Ritual. Dining options include Japanese Kaiseki at T-Pan and a wine cellar boasting 650 labels.

Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, which features 69 villas surrounded by lush foliage or perched above turquoise waters. The resort offers Japanese cuisine, pan-Asian flavours, and holistic wellness programs. Children under 12 stay and dine for free, making it a family-friendly haven.

In Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa combines mid-century modern design with eco-conscious features such as a large organic garden. Guests can enjoy culinary experiences, spacious villas, and abundant marine life around its thriving house reef.

The Shaviyani Atoll offers ultimate seclusion at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, with 60 villas and personalised butler service. Families can enjoy the extensive kids’ club and adventure activities, while food enthusiasts indulge in farm-to-table dining. Water-sports like jet skiing and parasailing cater to thrill-seekers.

As the sun sets over the Maldives, Marriott Bonvoy invites travellers to embrace the promise of an eternal summer in this idyllic paradise.

Featured

Turquoise waters, starry nights: Valentine’s Day magic at Dusit Thani Maldives

Published

21 hours ago

January 20, 2025

m@ldives

This Valentine’s Day, couples are invited to immerse themselves in the ultimate romantic escape at Dusit Thani Maldives. Surrounded by turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and unparalleled luxury, the resort provides an idyllic setting for celebrating love.

Situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to rekindle romance and create cherished memories.

The resort’s All-Inclusive Escape to Romance package has been specially designed to elevate Valentine’s Day celebrations. This exclusive offer includes:

Luxurious accommodations in either beachfront or overwater villas.
Delectable dining experiences with all-inclusive options.
A private dining experience under the stars.
Couples’ spa treatments at the award-winning Devarana Wellness, ensuring complete relaxation.
Valentine’s Day Highlights

On February 14th, a series of enchanting events will be hosted to mark the occasion:

Romantic Beach Dinner: Guests can savour a gourmet meal paired with fine wines under a starlit sky, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Couples’ Sunset Cruise: A magical experience on the water allows couples to admire the beauty of the Maldivian sunset.
Devarana Wellness for Two: Signature spa treatments will provide an opportunity for relaxation and reconnection.
Love-Inspired Cocktails: Handcrafted cocktails will be available at the resort’s bars for a special Valentine’s toast.

Dusit Thani Maldives is described as more than just a destination—it is a place where love blossoms. According to Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Maldives, “This Valentine’s Day, we are delighted to offer couples an opportunity to celebrate their love in one of the most romantic settings in the world.”

Couples are invited to celebrate the season of love at Dusit Thani Maldives, where the natural beauty of the Maldives serves as the perfect backdrop for a memorable Valentine’s Day.