Maldives to open tourism sector from July 1, for select countries

Maldives is looking to open itself to tourists from July 1, with strict safety regulations, as the island country looks to revive its economy.

Maldives’ minister of tourism, Ali Waheed, said the country cannot remain closed for long, adding that the industry representatives are working on guidelines to reopen the sector.

However, not all countries are welcome. Tourists from Asian countries, including India, China, South Korea and Sri Lanka, and in the Middle East can travel, but guests from 12 other countries including Spain, Italy, the UK and the US will not be allowed in.

Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways will begin commercial operations and tourists arriving by private, plane or yacht would be allowed to enter the country, Maldives tourism authorities have said.

Tourism alone is responsible for 28% of the country’s GDP and over 60% percent of its foreign reserves. But with the border closed due to the pandemic, income coming from the tourism sector declined drastically as expected.

The country’s borders were shut in the month of March because of the spread of the virus.