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Smiles will return to all Maldivians, pioneer Afeef says in solidarity call for tourism recovery
Global and local tourism will come out of the slump caused by the coronavirus pandemic but only if all stakeholders pulled together as an industry, a pioneer of tourism in Maldives said Monday.
Hussain ‘Champa’ Afeef, who was involved in building the Maldives first resort 47 years ago and whose companies own several resorts in the archipelago, said the Maldives had gone through many crises in the past but had always come out stronger.
“We are dependant on tourism. Construction, transportation, communication — everything is linked to tourism,” he said, during a Facebook live event hosted by the country’s official tourism promotion body.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic being “nothing like what we have seen before”, the Maldives will pull through it too, Afeef said. He stressed that it could only be achieved by working together as a destination.
“Covid-19 will shape and write the untold story of the world,” he said.
“I have no doubt the sun will shine again soon and smiles will return to all Maldivians.”
The Maldives is preparing to reopen its borders to visitors in July.
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.
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.
Cruise ships and foreign yachts were also banned from docking at any of the country’s ports.
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.
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 1,916
Eight deaths have been reported and 925 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.
With just three days remaining to vote in the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024, the Maldives is encouraging travelers, industry professionals, and the local and global community to show their support for its leading position in the global tourism industry. The Maldives has been nominated for six prestigious WTA awards, including the highly sought-after title of World’s Leading Destination 2024. Additionally, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) is competing for the title of World’s Leading Tourist Board 2024.
Voting is open until October 20, 2024, and support can play a crucial role in helping the Maldives secure these distinguished awards. By casting a vote, individuals are not only recognising the Maldives’ exceptional achievements but also contributing to its continued growth and prominence as a top travel destination.
To vote for the Maldives, please visit the following links:
Reethi Faru Resort has successfully completed the renovation of its infinity pool, now featuring an enhanced design and updated amenities. The infinity pool offers a stunning panoramic view of the Indian Ocean’s vibrant blue waters, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation, complemented by comfortable daybeds and soft towels. Known for its inviting ambiance, the pool provides an ideal setting for both enjoyment and tranquility.
This renovation is part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to enhancing guest comfort and satisfaction. The thoughtfully planned updates ensure that the pool continues to serve as a centerpiece of relaxation.
Reethi Faru Resort remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences in harmony with nature, with a strong focus on sustainability, positioning itself as one of the region’s leading eco-conscious resort
Prepare for an unforgettable escape at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, where Halloween festivities blend seamlessly with luxurious experiences. This year, the resort elevates the excitement with a full week of thrilling adventures, immersive Halloween-themed activities, and fun for the whole family. With an exclusive “Kids Stay & Eat Free” offer, there’s no better time to plan a family getaway at one of the top family resorts in the Maldives.
Beginning on 28th October, the Halloween festivities kick off with the Creepy Food Challenge at Anchorage, where guests can sample creatively eerie dishes that will excite both kids and adults alike. For those with an artistic flair, there will be a Halloween Sip & Paint session at Kakuni, allowing guests to sip cocktails while crafting their very own Halloween masterpiece. As night falls, Anchorage Bar will transform into a magical wonderland for the Witches & Wizards Disco Night, where the whole family can dance under the stars in costume, fully embracing the festive spirit of Halloween in paradise.
On 29th October, guests can dive into the day with Aqua Aerobics at the main pool, where spooky costumes and devil horns are encouraged! After splashing around, the fun continues with the Wrap the Mummy Station at Anchorage Bar, where participants can channel their inner mummy in this playful challenge. As the evening draws near, attendees can prepare for the spectacular Avatar Performance at Anchorage Bar, a show that will captivate guests with its mysterious, otherworldly magic.
30th October welcomes the Day of Vampires and Devils, starting with a special themed breakfast, where guests can snap a photo with a vampire. The eerie vibes continue in the afternoon with the Vampire Face Paint Station at Anchorage Bar, allowing kids (and adults) to transform into their favourite Halloween characters, complete with candy vampire teeth. The night promises to be unforgettable with a Vampire Pop-Up Performance and Karaoke session at Anchorage Bar, inviting guests to unleash their inner creatures of the night.
Halloween itself, 31st October, marks the pinnacle of the celebration, with the entire resort embracing a spooky atmosphere. The day begins with a ghostly surprise as haunting characters roam the resort for the Halloween Ghost Cosplay during breakfast, creating perfect photo opportunities for families. Later, guests can join the Pumpkin Carving session at Anchorage, where both kids and adults can showcase their creative skills. As the sun sets, the festivities reach their peak with the Thriller Night Flash Mob and DJ party at Anchorage Bar, followed by a hair-raising visit to the Haunted House, open from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm—perfect for families who love a good scare!
The evening culminates with a lavish Hollow Beach Buffet, where families can enjoy a mouthwatering spread of Halloween-inspired dishes while soaking in live music under the Maldivian sky.
Throughout the week, the Kids Club will be buzzing with special Halloween-themed activities, including pirate sword-making, “Find Jack Sparrow” treasure hunts, Halloween mocktail potion making, creepy cupcake decoration, and fun-filled pool parties, ensuring the little ones are fully immersed in the spooky spirit.
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