IN PARTNERSHIP: Earlier this year, the travel industry was turned on its head due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Countries’ borders shut, planes were grounded and people were staying put.
However, now the world is slowly beginning to return to a resemblance of normality, travel has begun to pick up. With that, we have the perfect holiday destination in mind for those looking to escape the UAE, even just for a little while.
Say hello to the luxury oasis that is the Maldives.
Having opened its borders on July 15, the country is taking every precaution necessary to ensure the wellbeing and safety of its nation and tourists visiting.
Self-isolation and negative testing
One of the main stipulations to be able to travel to the Maldives is that all tourists must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test receiving a negative result a maximum 72 hours before their departure order to be able to travel to the Maldives. This means there is no mandatory quarantine period upon arrival.
Discussing the implementation of the mandated negative test, the country’s tourism minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom explained that it will “guarantee safety and protection for tourists visiting the Maldives”.
“In essence, Maldives is the best country to vacation safely from among global destinations,” he also said.
This rings true, given the nation’s unique geography and one-island-one-resort concept – making the Maldives the perfect isolation vacation destination.
Safe stamp of approval
In further reassurance, the Maldives has received the ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ – which has been endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It’s there to reassure travellers and affirm their confidence that their safety and hygiene is a top priority – something Maldives Tourism is putting at the forefront.
A one-of-a-kind programme
In order to further boost tourism in the country, the Maldives has launched a new initiative which is the first of its kind in the world. Enter the ‘Maldives Border Miles’ program.
Spearheaded by the country’s minister of tourism, the program has been developed in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
The three-tiered initiative will encourage tourists visiting the nation to enrol and they will earn points in conjunction with the number of visits they make to the Maldives, alongside how long they spend in the country. If visitors are deciding to visit the nation for a special occasion, they will receive bonus points.
The three tiers for the program are as follows: Aida (bronze tier), Anantara (silver tier) and Abaarana (gold tier). These are all categorised by a variety of rewards, services or benefits, which increase in value as members progress.
The program’s launch is set for December 1, 2020. Dr. Mausoom is hopeful the one-of-a-kind initiative will “further enhance the popularity gained in the key markets of Maldives tourism”.
Time to book
With sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters and welcoming people, the Maldives really is the perfect place for a vacation – and it’s just a five-hour plane journey from the UAE.
Emirates flights to the Maldives have now resumed, and flyDubai also recently relaunched flights to the Maldives after a two-year hiatus. And with a whole host of luxury resorts to choose from, there’s really no more excuses left not to book!
